Petting Zoos are a common feature of most modern zoos. They are meant to provide a contrast to the usual zoo experience where normally wild animals are viewed from behind safe enclosures where no contact is possible.The facility being set up in the Botanical Gardens  is central to the recently launched Master Plan for the Zoological Park which aims  to create a modern zoo that engages Guyanese particularly youths in educational discussions and experiences.

Officials of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) have disclosed that this facility will provide a highly effective means of educating individuals on issues like wildlife conservation, humane treatment of animals and empathy for animals by providing them an opportunity to physically interact with animals.
This will be important in the zoo’s effort to raise funds for the rehabilitation of large sections of the facility, reduce the amount of wild animals (unwanted pets, animals injured for fun etc.!) constantly being brought into the zoo, and hopefully address acts of cruelty towards animals in Guyana.
The petting zoo, it has been disclosed, will also significantly strengthen the zoo’s school education programme at the Nature School along with the playground will serve as a complete and effective facility for youth-focused education at the zoo.
In essence, the PAC said the petting zoo is meant to be a living example of the zoo’s renewed emphasis on education, enhanced visitor experience, animal welfare and higher standards.
It is meant to be one of the many steps to modernise the zoo.
A well done facility will demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the zoo and build confidence among stakeholder groups as to the future of the zoo.
The facility is based on a roughly circular design with an all-weather walkway made out of paving stone around a central semi-aquatic enclosure.
Radiating outwards on the other side of the walkway will be a series of open enclosures that will feature docile animals conditioned to allow for human-animal interaction.
The majority of the structures will be made in concrete and other heavy duty materials to reduce maintenance costs.
The design and construction of the facility will also be informed by international guidelines for petting zoos, including wash stations for visitors, and grazing space and exercise areas for the animals at the back.
Due to the experience during the 2005 flood the facility will be raised over three feet above existing ground level.
This elevation will remove the risk of flooding that currently plagues the zoo and will allow the entire petting zoo and the pond to be quickly drained reducing maintenance costs and improving sanitation.
The height will be the reference level for all new exhibits at the zoo.
Where possible, the National Parks Commission (NPC) said the zoo will partner with volunteers from animal rights groups to assist in running the facility and raising awareness/empathy about the humane treatment of animals.
Although the facility will be free it will contribute to covering its costs, since it will have the potential for increased repeat/visitation and thus increased revenue.
The area will also be available for rental for activities such as children’s birthday parties.
Animal maintenance costs will also be minimal compared to wild species such as large cats.
The project for the creation of the petting zoo was officially launched in mid-January.
The construction is expected to be completed by early August.
Written By Clifford Stanley