Groote Schuur Zoo Retro sign

Cecil John Rhodes, British imperialist and Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, bought the Rhodes Estate in 1893.
He started a private menagerie there, initially housing herbivores.
In 1896, he was gifted two lions and a leopard, prompting him to build a lion enclosure.
 
His vision was to showcase animals from across the British Empire. 
 
Public Zoo (1931): After Rhodes’ death in 1902, the estate was bequeathed to the state. In 1930, the original lion house was demolished, and new enclosures were built. The zoo officially opened to the public in 1931 and was free of charge. It became a popular attraction in Cape Town. 
Animals: The zoo housed lions, emus, crocodiles, Himalayan tahrs (mountain goats), and other species. Some tahrs escaped and bred on Table Mountain, creating an invasive population that persisted for decades.
Closure (1975–1985): The zoo fell into decline and was closed sometime between 1975 and 1985. Reasons included financial strain on the government and rising animal welfare standards.
Today, the site is abandoned but accessible. Its most iconic feature is the Lion’s Den, now overgrown. Other remnants include a concrete pool, stone lions, and old enclosures. The area is sometimes used for photography or informal gatherings.
 
These boards are made from soft steel and can be mounted on the wall, either by the folded strip at the back, or holes can be drilled at the allocated spaces indicated. This is ideal for outside areas, like an enclosed braai area etc. This is an awesome conversation starter!