Plans for Zoo expansion in the pipeline

Apr 19, 2010 News

– Caesar

An expansion for the National Zoological Park is in the pipeline, a plan which could possibly see some creatures being exhibited in an area on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.
At least this is according to Chairman of the National Parks Commission, Mr John Caesar, who revealed that the plans have been several years in the making. He anticipates that if the plan is realised it could be of benefit to many citizens who can ill-afford to fly to the majestic Kaieteur Falls to see some of the stunning creatures that could only be found in that part of the country. With a suitable environment on the highway, Caesar said that reptiles including lizards and snakes, endemic in Guyana could be accommodated. However, he noted that not all animal types could be exhibited in that area as some require smaller cages for proper viewership.

From left: Mr John Caesar and Ms Yolanda Vasconcellos

And efforts have already been made to visit prospective sites, Caesar revealed, even as he asserted that the intention is not to close the existing National Zoological Park in the city. “To put this plan to work, we were told that we need about 100 and 150 acres of land space. We have to identify the exact place but we have visited four different spots on the Linden/Soesdyke at least three times.” And since it is recognised that Guyana is also threatened with the global climate change and low sea level, Caesar said that the zoo is looking to partner with the private sector to set up a wide, spacious open venue as heavy investment will be required to adhere to certain international standards and specifications.
Proximity is also a very crucial factor to be considered Caesar revealed. He added that the areas visited so far are situated about three kilometres south of the Splashmins Fun Park and Resort on the highway. In fact, according to Caesar, the initial plan was to incorporate a Resort setting where families could spend time in addition to a theme park with a playful atmosphere 10 times that of Pizza Hut. “We know that this can’t happen overnight and we believe government alone cannot do this thing so we are looking to get private sector support too.”
And though the plan has been put on temporary hold, it is still considered a very active one, according to Caesar, who noted that it has a very economic value. He highlighted that a number of people are interested in animals in Guyana, thus the plan remains a very ambitious one.
The need for private sector support was just last week emphasised by General Manager of the National Zoological Parks, Yolanda Vasconcellos, as she attempted to outline the challenges encountered to effectively manage the more than 50 years old zoo. She was at the time addressing a press conference at the Thomas Lands National Parks Commission (NPC) headquarters, a forum which was geared at dispelling some media reports that the zoo is being neglected. And the challenges, according to Vasconcellos, are centred mainly on finances despite the fact that the NPC’s budget has increased significantly since 1990. She attributed the escalating costs of maintenance of infrastructure as a major factor that contributes to the challenges at the zoo.
According to Vasconcellos, the bulk of external income goes towards salaries and wages while revenue is ploughed back into feeding the animals and provides preventative medical attention. And in order to address this situation, she related that one in-house suggestion made by the board to the previous zoo management was to raise rabbits and produce six-week crops as supplement feed and cost saving measures. This is yet to be implemented. However, she revealed that costing cutting has included direct purchase of carcass for animals from the city abattoir. She related that previous purchases from a butcher were $300,000 to $400,000 per week, an amount which has since been reduced to $700,000 per month, a saving of some $500,000 per month.