ABSTRACT
The Pretoria Zoo dates officially from 1899 when a small collection of live animals belonging to the State Museum of the South African Republic was moved from the Museum premises to a nearby property called 'Rus in Urbe'. The Zoo came into existence mainly through the enthusiasm and determination of its first director, Dr. P. W. B. Gunning. With the end of the Boer War, the Zoo developed rapidly under the energetic and devoted direction of Dr Gunning, who remained in charge until 1913. The main feature of the development of the Northern Extension was a run of enclosures, later called the Carl Jeppe Terraces, on the slopes of the 200-foot high ridge which marks the Zoo's northern boundary. The most important development has been a new Aquarium and Reptile Park, which was opened by the South African Prime Minister in June 1974.
