Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
A visit to the Guyana Zoological Park
…still a wholly captivating experience
By Allyiah Allicock
Kaieteur News – There is no denying the fact that Guyanese love to be outdoors. This fact was brought sharply into focus when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores in March 2020 prompting a national lockdown shortly after.
Entering the inviting Guyana Zoological Park
The jaguar’s relaxation mode
Some spider monkeys putting on a show
The powis and some macaws share a cage
Some Guyanese simply couldn’t bear being forced to stay indoors thus some even dared to breach the regulations and left the confines of their homes.
Even one of the city’s most inviting outdoorsy recreational facility – the Zoological Park – was closed off to the public.
But with fewer COVID cases being recorded, in April of this year, a decision was made by the administration to return the country to some level of normalcy. This of course saw the resumption of the operation of the Zoo, and patrons have certainly been taking in the inviting atmosphere, which before 2020, they hadn’t imagined being denied access to.
Situated along Vlissengen Road, next door to the Guyana Water Inc.’s Shelter Belt in the capital city, the Zoo, which shares its estate with a breathtaking Botanical Garden, is home to several exotic animals.
During a recent visit to the Zoo, I was happy to see that several of them were on full display and in animated mode. Among the intriguing creatures that call the Zoo home that I took note of as I strolled through the recreational facility were the powis, some macaws, the fascinating harpy eagle, the jaguar, some spider monkeys, Jazz – one of two pumas, and Johnny, the Giant River Otter.
As I strolled through the Zoo, which is strategically positioned in the heart of Georgetown, I couldn’t help feeling a sense of nostalgia. I recalled my young self experiencing the Zoo and being completely excited about it, and I assure you, it was just the same recently when I caught glimpses of the colourful creatures it accommodates.
Johnny the Giant River Otter
Jazz, one of the two pumas at the Zoo
The elegant harpy eagle
The Zoo was first introduced in 1952. However, its grounds even before this, since 1895, were already being used as the botanical gardens.
The Zoo has always been regarded as a captivating recreational facility and I can safely say that with its assortment of caged wildlife, it still has a captivating effect, just as it did when I was just a young girl.
As such, I am certainly encouraging anyone with a penchant for the fascinating to visit the Botanical Gardens and Zoological Park for a satisfying experience.
The Zoo opens daily from 09:30hrs to 17:30hrs while entry to the Botanical Garden is permitted from 06:00hrs to 18:00hrs.
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