Mitchell Park Zoo

Mitchell Park Zoo, also known as Mitchell Park or Mitchell’s Park, is in Durban’s Morningside suburb. Established in 1910, it is described as Durban’s only zoo. The site is adjacent to Jameson Park, land that was once used as a pineapple plantation.

Don't miss

• The zoo’s origin as an unsuccessful ostrich farm established in 1910.
• The story of Nellie, an Indian elephant given by the Maharajah of Mysore in 1928.
• Nellie’s unusual learned behaviours: blowing a mouth organ and cracking coconuts with her feet.
• The neighbouring Jameson Park, which occupies land once used as a pineapple plantation.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Mitchell Park Zoo

Cheapest way inDurban City Sightseeing and Walking Tour4.4★ · 69 travelers3-4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$99 per personSee dates →Best full dayHalf Day Safari Tour from Durban4.5★ · 135 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$193 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• The zoo’s most famous historical resident was Nellie, an Indian elephant presented by the Maharajah of Mysore in 1928.
• Jameson Park lies beside the zoo on land that was once a pineapple plantation.

A bit of history

The zoo began as an ostrich farm in 1910. When the farm proved unprofitable, it started adding other animals and later housed several large species. Its best-known resident was Nellie, an Indian elephant presented to the zoo by the Maharajah of Mysore in 1928. Nellie was remembered for being able to blow a mouth organ and crack coconuts with her feet.