Latest update April 10th, 2025 1:57 PM
Latest News
- GRA must explain initial low tax assessment for vehicles imported by Mohameds –AG Nandlall
- Govt to pay fees for up to eight CSEC subjects for students–Pres Ali
- ‘Gaza is a ‘killing field’, says UN chief
- Linden man was still alive when dumped into minibus
- School girl beaten, forced to drink bleach by bullies in washroom
Construction of $32M petting zoo begins today
Contractor Alvin Chowramootoo is scheduled to begin construction of the $32M petting zoo today with a projected duration of about four to five months. This project is part of the Zoological Park’s modernization master plan and is expected to cost US$11M.
This disclosure was made by Damian Fernandes, Protected Areas
Damian Fernandes, Protected Areas Commission (PAC) Commissioner and Minister Robert Persaud at yesterday’s press conference.
Commission (PAC) Commissioner, who said that the petting zoo, when completed could increase return visits of patrons, hence increasing revenue. Currently, about 33,000 visits are made to the park monthly.
Fernandes made this announcement yesterday at the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment boardroom, Brickdam, while addressing media operatives.
Displaying colourful slides as part of a PowerPoint presentation, Fernandes emphasized the modernization of the Zoological Park and how neatly the petting zoo will be fitted. The children’s area situated near the Nature School, which facilitates visits from about 120 schools yearly, will be transformed into an educational complex.
He said that the petting zoo would significantly strengthen the Nature School education programme. Additionally, the playground, will serve as a complete and effective facility youth-focused education at the Zoo.
“In essence, the petting zoo is meant to be a living example of the Zoo’s renewed emphasis on education, enhanced visitor experience, animal welfare, and higher standards,” Fernandes said.
He related that the facility is based on a roughly circular design with an all-weather walkway made out of paving stones around a central semi-aquatic enclosure. Outwards, on the other side of the walkway, would be a series of open enclosures that will feature docile animals conditioned to allow for human-animal interaction.
According to Fernandes, a majority of the structures will be made of concrete and other heavy duty material to reduce maintenance costs. Moreover, design and construction of the petting zoo will be informed by international guidelines.
The petting zoo design includes wash stations for visitors, grazing space, and exercise areas at the back. Considering the effects of the 2005 flood, the petting zoo will be raised three-feet above the existing level. This will allow the facility to be drained quickly reducing maintenance costs and improving sanitation.
Several weeks ago, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, who was not equipped with full knowledge of what a petting zoo was, said it was foolishness. He could not understand why Cabinet gave its no-objection to a $32.5M contract to erect such a facility.
However, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud yesterday assured that Dr. Luncheon was adequately informed of what the petting zoo is, and he has embraced the idea.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Does the PNCR really want to go down this road?
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- By the time I reached the fourth cup of chamomile tea—don’t judge me, it’s calming—I... more
The U.S. “Joining” the Commonwealth: an unreasonable expectation
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- Recent media stories have suggested that King Charles III could “invite” the United... more
Weekend Cartoon
