Mitchell Park Trust

28/10/2025

Meet Gordan Michael — a living legend of Mitchell Park Zoo & Park. For 54 years, he’s been part of our story, keeping the spirit of Durban’s favourite green space alive.

He’s seen generations of families walk through these gates, watched trees grow tall, and even wrote a book about Admiral the Tortoise — one of Mitchell Park’s most famous residents.

In this reel, you’ll hear the background chorus of the Park — the birds calling, the monkeys chatting, the goats bleating — all part of the place Gordan has helped care for for over half a century.

If you’ve ever visited Mitchell Park, chances are Gordan’s quiet work helped make your memory possible.

Come say hi next time you visit — he’s Durban’s very own walking encyclopedia. 💚

17/10/2025

🌿 Mitchell Park Trust Update 🌿

It’s been a while since you’ve heard from us — too long, in fact. Mitchell Park is still here, still cared for, and quietly growing behind the scenes. Over the past few months, we’ve been focusing on restoring, improving, and planning for the next chapter of this beloved space.

This weekend, we’re excited to share a little joy with you: our goat family has grown! A few tiny, wobbly-legged newcomers arrived just days ago, and they’re already stealing hearts.

If you’ve missed the park, now’s the perfect time to visit, breathe in some fresh air, and meet the newest members of our animal family.

Change takes time, but good things are happening — and we’re grateful to everyone who continues to believe in Mitchell Park.

See you soon at the Zoo and Park.

10/06/2025

Gordon Michael - the storyteller of Mitchell Park has written a book on the legendary Admiral. The book will be available in bookshops soon and is currently available from madeindurban.co.za

Gordon has worked for 46 years of his life in Mitchell Park. He grew up in the vibrant 1950s and '60s in Puntan’s Hill, just a few kilometers away from the posh neighbourhoods of Musgrave and Windermere. At the age of seven, he began selling newspapers, with the Daily News priced at just two cents a copy. Soon after, he took on a role at the Windsor Park Golf Course, located across from the prestigious Durban Country Club. Juggling school, Michael's responsibility was to collect golf balls that were hit to the far end of the driving range. This marked the beginning of his lifelong journey of mingling with the rich and famous, an experience that would shape much of his later years.

10/06/2025