Zoological Park rehabilitation: Local marine biologist proposes AI, tech upgrades for zoo

Following the recent announcement by President Dr Irfaan Ali, which stated that the Zoological Park will be rebuilt to international standards, suggestion of artificial intelligence, apps, and enhancement of qualities to be integrated into the overall plan.
These suggestions were revealed by local marine biologist, Maria Fraser during an interview with Guyana Times.
According to Fraser, this would serve as an opportunity for the zoo to bolster its way of bridging education and Guyanese persons through a technological way.
“The zoo could have AI or advanced technology so that when patrons traverse through the zoo and see the animals, they learn about it. Also, what can be implemented as well, is a 3D way of, giving an explanation about the animals. Let’s say, the harpy eagle, was shot and came into the zoo, and there are facts being displayed about the eagle in a 3D way, that would be great for patrons, if it was digitalised rather than just 2D printed. It would be more engaging for patrons.”

On this note of digital technology, she also proposed the implementation of apps, where persons can purchase their zoo tickets online – fostering easier purchasing.
“So, we’re all technology savvy now, and everybody has access to a smartphone. so imagine if the zoo has an app that you can buy your ticket online, you go there, and you just scan one of these little digital things, and you go, you get your pass, you know, and you go into the zoo. Right. Pass in advance or on the day.”
Meanwhile, she highlighted a significant issue – the old cages at the zoo that are some 20-30 years old.
“The zoo was open to public in 1952 and since then the cages have not been modernised, so we definitely need to enhance and modernise the zoo’s cages. Also, we need proper walkways, aerial aviaries for the birds as well, too. You know, steps to go up, like two or three steps. You could walk around, have an extended view of the zoo.”
Not only did the young visionary suggest cage enhancements, but she also stated that a serious revamp must be done to the nature school.
“We need to also revamp the nature school that they had there. There was a building that’s been around for years now, where we had kids across the country take part in those activities, learn about biodiversity, ecosystems, how to preserve and conserve, treat, well, help, assist with injured animals and stuff.”
She added, “That is something that needs to be enhanced and looked into at the zoo, so we can, you know, have our younger generation be taught and learn about, you know, protection, conservation of biodiversity, and how to handle endangered and also animals that are, you know, injured as well.”

The young biologist also touched on the availability of tours in the zoo, where she proposed the idea that the zoo can have vehicles and boats to transport persons around the zoo.
“It would be nice, too, if we had small controlled tours where you have, like, cars where people can sit, and they can get a nice tour around the zoo, they learn about the animals, some fun facts, then you stop into the nature school, which the nature school would be a mixture of a school and a museum. After that, you could go to the end, which would be where the jaguars are, and then you could have that little boat ride out and exit the zoo into the botanical garden.”

President’s announcement
On Thursday, President Ali announced the 12th Parliament of Guyana, where he revealed that the zoo will be developed with international standards in mind and that the Botanical Gardens where the zoo is housed, will be enhanced overall.
The capital city, Ali said too, will be enhanced as the Government hopes to promote its cultural history.
Also on Thursday, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo spoke more about the plans for the zoo, revealing that the zoo has been languishing for a while.
However, it is believed that the zoo can be expanded to include a learning centre and a dining area so children can see more animals while also enjoying a family-friendly environment.
This expansion is likely to unfold at the eastern end of the Botanical Gardens where persons usually engage in birdwatching activities.
A private sector-led safari-type zoo elsewhere is also being considered. Jagdeo believes this can be a major income earner, adding to Guyana’s ecotourism product.
Fraser is a biology graduate from the University of Guyana (UG) and holds a Master’s Degree in Marine Science (Marine Biology) from Zhejiang University, China.
In her capacity as a conservationist, Fraser has worked for Guyana’s oldest and only marine-focused conservation Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) —the GMCS. (G2)