THE Zoological Park (Zoo) in the Botanical Gardens, along Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, plays an important role in the conservation of animals and, apart from local visitors, it is the first stop for wildlife tourists, Chairman of the overseeing National Parks Commission (NPC), Mr. John Caesar said Wednesday. According to him: “Foreigners and scientists, who visit Guyana to see wildlife, first stop there and then go into the fields after.”

He added: “That apart, Guyana is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Wild Fauna and Flora.

“All this makes the zoo a very important place with a very important role to play, at not only the national but international levels. It makes any suggestion that it be closed, for any reason whatsoever, both impractical and ridiculous,” Caesar declared at a press conference.

The media event was convened in response to a number of recent reports which, he said, had been unfair in the manner they assessed the zoo.

Sections of the media has accused the management of the zoo of mismanagement, allowing the facilities to deteriorate and of keeping the animals too confined, underfed or not properly fed.

The critics described the condition of the animals as being in a state of imprisonment and cited the existence of bones in a cage as an example of the lack of care and concern for them and suggested lethargy among some of the felines, particularly the lions.

The occupational health and safety (OH&S) of zoo workers had also been criticised and it was alleged that they were working in a high risk environment, with no insurance coverage, health benefits and limited safety gear.

Both Caesar and General Manager of the Zoo, Ms. Yolanda Vasconcellos acknowledged that there is room for improvement but refuted charges that the conditions there amounted to maltreatment and/or neglect of the animals or workers.

Caesar said the circumstances portrayed in the media were based on a report prepared in 2000 and many changes had taken place since then, through assistance from foreign sources, such as Calgary Zoo and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and an increased Government subvention.

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He maintained that many of the animals are now being housed in conditions approximating to their natural habitat.

Vasconcellos said people need to understand that the cats are nocturnal animals and, if they seemed to be lethargic during the day, it was because of their nature of sleeping during the day and being active at night.

The bones in some of the cages allows the younger cats practice at sharpening their teeth and, generally, having fun in their own way of playing with them and had nothing to do with lack of interest in cleaning their accommodation, she explained.

Among other things, Caesar said the animals are fed on ‘road kill’ that is considered fit for consumption or, alternatively, meat bought from the abattoir; that there is an OH&S Committee at the Zoo; that all workers are equipped with safety gear, although many of them were, at times, neglectful in wearing them.

Vasconcellos disclosed that the staff includes an animal health supervisor and an experienced wildlife veterinarian and medical attention is provided, almost immediately, to any animal which showed signs of reduced activity, listlessness or refusal to eat.

Both officials admitted that managing the zoo is challenging, partly because of rising costs of food and construction materials.

Caesar confirmed that the Government subvention has grown significantly but said it could not be regarded as the sole source of financing.

“Government has to find money for other critical things, such as health, education, security services and so on,” he said.

Caesar said the Zoo is thankful for public and private donations received but he joined Vasconcellos to appeal for much more support from the Private Sector for the upkeep and maintenance of the institution they call a treasure of national and international importance.

“Quite a few of the species we have here are indigenous to Guyana and cannot be found in any other part of the world,” Caesar remarked.

See Pictures in GRAPHICS FOLDER “Zoo 14-4-10”.

The critics described the condition of the animals as being in a state of imprisonment and cited the existence of bones in a cage as an example of the lack of care and concern for them and suggested lethargy among some of the felines, particularly the lions.