Game Breeding Centres:

A former director of the Zoo, Dr Brand became  aware of the need to breed with endangered indigenous and exotic animals, but space was however a problem.  The Breeding Centre at Lichtenburg was made available in 1974 and in 1981 the Potgietersrus Breeding Centre was founded.  The National Zoological Gardens also was able to procure the development of the De Wilt Breeding Centre, property of me. Ann van Dyk.  The famous king cheetah was bred here for the first time in captivity. 

The main aims of the centres is to supplement the Zoo's animal poulation and to help with breeding programmes of various endangered species. The centres are open for public visits.

Potgietersrus Game Breeding Centre:

Potgietersrus is one of the most beautiful towns of the Nothern Province of South Africa.   Nestled among the rolling hills of the Waterberg, on the outskirts of this picturesque town lies about 1500 hectares of unspoilt bushveld just waitng to be explored.  This is the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa's  Potgietersrus Game Breeding Centre. 

2. Exotic and indigenous founa: The game breeding centre is stocked with an abundance of exotic and indigenous founa.  You can see the highly endangered pymy hippopotamus basking on the banks of the dam or see the antics of the lemurs.  Herds of the race tsessebe, the swiftest African antelope species, roam side by side with impala, black rhino, zebra, giraffe and roan antelope.
3. Birdlife: As you drive into the game breeding centre, a variety of exquisite waterbirds can be seen.  A bird lover's paradise!  Many pleasant hours can be admiring the various indigenous bird species.

5. Flora:

The bushveld is densely wooded with a variety of acacia, weeping boerbean and wild seringa trees.  The euphorbias and groves of mountain aloes are of special interest.

Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre:

Lichtenburg is situated in the North West province of South Africa. It is also sometimes called the Willow town of South
Africa because of the huge amount of willow trees in the area. On the northern outskirts of  Lichtenburg is another game breeding centre of the National Zoological Gardens. The centre is well worth visiting. Various exotic wild animals are bred and housed here.