South Africa’s world-renowned veterinary museum at Onderstepoort in Pretoria, is to become a new tourist attraction, with an official opening day scheduled for October 28.  

For a few years the museum has been visited mostly by veterinary scholars from all over the world but it is now aiming to attract the general public.

“The state owns the museum and donations have sustained operations, however opportunities for income will increase as it aims to expand its client base,” said former CEO of SATSA, Gail Heather Westphal, who currently works at the museum.

The museum showcases the history of veterinary practice in the country, which includes medical devices dating back decades. Also featured is the history Dr Jotello Festiri Soga – a black veterinarian who in 1886 became the first South African of any race to receive a degree in veterinary medicine.

There are also plans in place to open a coffee shop.