Georgetown : The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment in association with the Protected Areas Commission signed a $32M contract for the construction of a petting zoo within the National Zoological Park
The facility is part of the Three Parks Initiative (TPI), and Government’s commitment to develop the zoological park, making it more visitor friendly.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud expressed optimism that persons will grasp what the ministry is seeking to do and how it fits in to the wider effort and plan of modernising, along with making the facility visitor friendly to serve the children and the wider society. He noted that it will also help to increase the zoo’s revenue.
The contract was awarded to Alvin Chowramootoo and mobilisation is expected to begin tomorrow, and construction to be completed within four to five months.
Minister Persaud noted that it also fits into the wider plan of the country to ensure that the environment is up to standard and that the population is aware of the country’s biodiversity, “one in which everyone can celebrate and be a part of,” he said.
. “We want to at an early age bring our people to the green richness of our country and we do hope through these efforts and initiative, costing money as they are, would allow for the fulfillment of a larger plan,” Minister Persaud added.
Minister Persaud highlighted that the petting zoo will be used as an education aid for children, as well as visitors. He said that the park sees approximately 10,000 visitors monthly and this type of service will further increase that number.
Persaud also expressed disappointment in the response from the private sector to this initiative, as he has called on them (the private sector), and the Non Governmental Organisation (NGO’s), as well as the Guyanese public to play a role in helping to improve the zoo.
The petting zoo will have a wide range of both domestic and wild animals. Minister Persaud also noted the facility will also will deal with the issue of animal cruelty that is prevalent within the Guyanese society.
According to Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Damian Fernandes who explained the whole concept of the petting zoo and the master plan of the Zoological Park said that the facility will be based on a roughly circular design with an all-weather walkway made out of paving stone around a semi aquatic enclosure. A semi removable tent will also be placed next to the petting zoo to host parties and other events so as to generate income to maintain the facility. He said that once completed, the facility will be up to par with international standard of most zoos.
Petting zoos are common features of most modern zoos, and are meant to provide a contrast to the usual zoological experience, where normally wild animals are viewed from behind safety enclosures where no contact is possible.
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