The Management of the Kumasi Zoological Gardens has appealed to the public to stimulate interest in the adoption of animals in one of Ghana’s oldest surviving animal sanctuaries.

This had become imperative for the upkeep and management of the animals, Dr. Meyir Ziekah, the Manager, stated.

The Zoo was officially opened in 1957 with the purpose of displaying indigenous wild animals of Ghana in captivity, and also meant to demonstrate the linkage between wildlife, mankind and culture.

Currently, it has 196 individual animals with 54 species, including lions, hyena, wanabes, fallow deers, crested porcupines, snakes, chimpanzees, bird varieties, amongst others.

Dr. Ziekah, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, on the side-line of a visit by a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC), said the authorities had been spending a lot of money for the upkeep of the animals.

The importance and benefits of the Zoo, according to him, could not be underestimated, therefore, it was crucial to protect, manage and develop wildlife resources in the national interest.

He affirmed the resolve of the Management to promote public awareness, understanding and support for wildlife conservation.

The Zoo occupies a prime site in the centre of Kumasi, providing one of the few green urban areas in the country, which attracts both local and international visitors.
Dr. Ziekah told the GNA that in 2017, about 17, 000 visitors were at the Zoo, and in 2019 the figure jumped to 60, 000.

He attributed the astronomical increase in visitors to the commemoration of the ‘Year of Return’, which brought many Africans living in the Diaspora to Ghana.

The Manager said the Zoo ought to be protected at all times for the benefit of tourism, research and education, as well as the cultural heritage of the people.