After nearly four decades, the Tygerberg Zoo, which was once a major tourist attraction, has been sold and will close by the end of the year, according to a report in the Cape Times.

According to the report, high maintenance costs and dwindling visitor numbers forced the decision to sell the zoo. 

“After about 10 years of struggling to make ends meet, the zoo has become unsustainable,” said Owner, Lorraine Spence. 

“I have 24 staff, some with up to 33 years’ service, who will be retrenched and have to be paid. I also have four people who live on the farm and for whom I will have to buy homes. It is sad. We are like family.”

Spence said great care was being taken to relocate the animals. The chimpanzees will be moved to a “modern home” at the Drakenstein Lion Park, the lions and the tigers will also have sanctuary there. The springbok will be relocated to a Darling farm and the reptiles have been sold to accredited zoo owners elsewhere in the country.

She said most of the animals would still be on view for some time and entry fees would be reduced from June 1.

The buyer has a farm equipment manufacturing business near Paarl.