WORK on the petting zoo in the Botanical Gardens is proceeding on schedule. The 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 and in conjunction with the playground will serve as a complete and effective facility for youth-focussed education at the zoo.
In essence, 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.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Hon. Robert Persaud and Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Mr. Damian Fernandes inspected ongoing construction of the petting zoo and other enhancement works at the Botanical Gardens and the National Park yesterday.

(Clifford Stanley)