The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) has announced that it will launch a restoration and enhancement journey for the Zoological Park today, themed “Wildlife Warriors: Unite for Conservation”.
This is indeed good news, as, for quite some time now, the Zoological Park, known to provide much attraction for families and overseas visitors, has been deteriorating at a rapid rate.
Guyanese who have travelled abroad could testify to the differences in standards with our zoo and what obtains in other countries. At the moment, persons are not that excited to visit the zoo, because of several reasons, among which is that there is hardly anything new and interesting to see.
For example, the cages at the zoo are occupied by a few birds, huge snakes and caimans, and turtles and monkeys are among the few animals that could be seen in the dull and smelly environment.
In fact, in a visit by this newspaper to the zoo, it was observed that visitors were complaining of the state of the facility. Additionally, persons were heard expressing worry over the condition of the animals, some of which seemed to be sick. Concerns were also raised about the limited space the animals are usually confined to, especially since, in their natural habitat, they would be allowed to run about and climb and jump.
This is quite unfortunate, as Guyana has so much to offer, not only for locals, but for the entire world to see, especially as it relates to our rich biodiversity. This alone could be a major attraction for visitors when they come to these shores, hence strenuous efforts should be made to ensure that such facilities are constantly improved and upgraded, in keeping with international best practices.
It could be recalled that the PAC had started working with the National Parks Commission in 2012 to enhance the facilities at the National Park. Under the Three Parks Initiative, the National Park had benefitted from many improvements, but efforts to upkeep the standards were minimal, resulting in standards falling drastically over the past years. However, we must complement Guyana’s First Lady Arya Ali for the tremendous work her office has been doing at the National Park and other parks around the country under her enhancement initiative.
The PAC had also engaged advertisers and other stakeholders who are responsible for advertisements, buildings and facilities in the park, to encourage them to enhance same. Stakeholders who had sponsored walking trails and other infrastructure were also re-engaged, but we are not certain as to the success of these engagements regarding funding, et cetera, to maintain the facilities.
Coming back to the zoo, there is need for this facility to be transformed from being just a holding facility for animals into an information-education delivery facility. There is need for other features, such as different zoning areas, including a Coastal Wetland Zone, a Savannah Zone, Mountain and Forest Zone, along with other amenities, such as information booths, etc.
Most of us would agree that wholesome entertainment for families is lacking to a large extent in Guyana. On weekends especially, families look forward to taking their children to places that are interesting; where they can also enjoy a bit of relaxation and fun. The Zoological Park, National Park, and Botanical Gardens are ideal places where this could be provided.
While the Government may take the lead in such initiatives, the private sector also has a corporate social responsibility which its members must fulfil to the citizenry. The private sector must therefore show, by its actions, that it is serious about working with the Government in enhancing this aspect of national life. Today’s launch is much welcomed.
