Pretoria- The Pretoria zoo has hit back after an advisory was issued by the US Embassy in Pretoria regarding visitor safety at the zoo.
The embassy advised its citizens to avoid visiting the zoo. “A number of armed robberies were committed recently against visitors to the Pretoria zoo.
“Due to these events the… mission to South Africa advises US citizens to avoid visiting the Pretoria Zoo until the security situation at the zoo improves,” the embassy said.
Americans were also urged to remain vigilant in protecting themselves from violent crimes while in South Africa – as assaults, armed robberies and other crimes were prevalent around hotels, tourist attractions and public transport centres in major cities.
But on Sunday the zoo’s marketing manager, Craig Allenby, was quick to point out that a number of security measures were in place.
It was unfortunate that the zoo had been singled out regarding crime, he said. “We are aware of two crime-related incidents involving visitors outside the zoo. All measures are in place to avoid further possible incidents.”
Last month visitors to the zoo were concerned about their safety after a family was attacked and robbed at knifepoint. Karen Lusse had detailed the incident on consumer website Hello-Peter. Susan Burnie’s family was also attacked outside the zoo in December. Six men stole their wallets, phones and GPS.
Allenby said the zoo takes the safety of visitors very seriously and has been in constant contact with the SAPS and metro police who have increased their visibility in the area.
The entire CBD is under constant CCTV camera surveillance, including the area around the zoo. The zoo cautioned visitors to be vigilant with their belongings as they’d be anywhere in the world.
Pretoria News and Sapa