By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa
The Nigerian Association of Zoological Gardens and Wildlife Park (NAZAP) has advised Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state to discontinue with his proposed relocation of the state owned zoo from the capital city.
The group made the appeal in an open letter addressed to the governor, signed by the National President Mr Francis Abioye, Sakiru Raji Secretary, and a copy made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
NAN recalled that Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje had recently proposed to relocate Kano zoo from the city, a move the professional body criticised and said it would be counterproductive.
The group in the letter maintained that relocating the zoo from the city would jeopardize it’s licence and registration gotten in 2007.
The letter read in part. “Your Excellency, one of the reference zoos among NAZAP membership in Nigeria today is coincidentally Kano zoo, It has over the years carved for itself a niche which is uncommon in the wildlife variance and mix.
“Kano zoo is an enigma and a source of pride for us as an association and to Nigerians in general, therefore, NAZAP as a legal professional body is saddened to hear that your government is trying to temper with the greenest part of Kano metropolitan by relocation of Kano zoo.
Accordingly, we are requesting your good office to reconsider the decision and to ensure that the zoo is not only allowed to exist, but to be properly funded.
Kano zoo is an internationally registered zoo by the World Association of Zoos and Aqyaeria (WAZA), through Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB) which is its Africa regional body.
The issue of its relocation May jeopardize its hard earned registration since 2007, which will have impact on the zoos in Nigeria and by the international community.
It further said the Kano zoo is the Oxygen reservoir of Kano metropolitan because it is the greenest part in Kano metropolitan, saying the planed relocation may endanger the life of no fewer than 400 animals in the zoo and plant species.
It says metropolitan zoos are ubiquitous in many states and federal capitals all over the world and they live harmoniously without issues.
The group reminded the governor that examples of zoos in Africa cited in the capital city include Kenya zoo in Nairobi, South African zoo in Pretoria.
It said outside Africa, there are the famous London zoo in central London, San Diego zoo , St Louis zoo in America, Leipzig zoo cited close to Volkswagen Industry in Germany.
The group stated that relocating Kano zoo from the original present location which was considered the best location by our founding fathers will destroy the essence of establishing this wildlife edifice which is contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation work in the Northern region.
The group commended the governor for approving N 37million for restocking of the animals in the zoo and urged the governor to consolidate on the contributions made by his predecessors through improving the decaying facility. (NAN
