THE Guyana Zoological Park Wildlife and Rescue Centre has captivated children and adults for over 70 years. Its wide array of animals and welcoming atmosphere have crafted a popular tourist destination.

After being in service for more than seven decades, however, the staff and stakeholders have sought to give Guyana’s zoo an upgrade.

On Saturday morning, a crew of more than 200 people set out in the rehabilitation attempts. Members of both the public and private sectors worked alongside park staff and kid members of the public. Commissioner (ag) of the Protected Areas Commission, Jason Fraser told this newspaper that this programme is just the first of many.

During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Fraser shared that the project was a long-awaited one.

“We have heard the calls, and we’ve decided, you know what, let’s get everybody involved because, we said, let’s kick-start the rehabilitation drive of the zoological park by inviting persons so they can have a feel for what’s happening here, because there are quite a few persons that [sic] haven’t been in here for a very long time. We wanted to invite them in and have them start the process with us.”

On the note of development, the commission is looking towards a great number of partnerships. Fraser cited the Ministry of Public Works, as well as, the Office of the First Lady as a few of the partnering bodies seeking to alleviate some of the zoo’s issues.

The zoo has battled with drainage for several years; this is an area the commission and partners are working on. “When it comes to the drainage, we would lean more toward our sister agencies like GWI is right there. They maintain that canal. Then we have the [National] Drainage and Irrigation Authority, which they’ve been helping us a great deal over the years, especially the National Park. But now we want to shift some attention here because we also need drainage work,” Fraser noted.

Fraser further stated that more steps are being taken on an international level to develop the zoo.

“I know we like to use the word transformation, but I think we need to first preserve what we have before we start adding more. So that’s what we’re going to do this year. And next year, we’ll think about what other arrangements we can put in place. For now, we’re working on a twinning kind of arrangement with Qatar. We’re working with Technical Assistance and Knowledge Transfer with Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago sit [sic] in a similar area. I think their zoo is seven acres. Our zoo is six acres, so it’s very similar. So, things are happening.”

Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Robert Persaud, took a walkthrough of the project and shared his views on the initiative.

“This is an important part of our city, and that is the Geological [sic] Park, but also part of the Botanical Garden. And what it represents is a sample of our rich fauna and flora. And so, it is not only an experience for family, but it is also one for children and others to be educated and to understand the rich biodiversity of our country. For those who cannot travel and go into the hinterland, and go into the rainforest, or go into the wetlands, or go into the savannahs, the intention of the Botanical Garden, as a subset of the Geological [sic] Park, is to bring that rich biodiversity here.”

He emphasised that there are progressive plans for the future, and improving the zoo is just the first step.

“Enhancing this is to enhance the experience, enhance the education, because, you know, we are a model globally in terms of how we manage and protect our environment. And so, it is important, too, that this type of facility, too, that is so enhanced, that it can enrich the experience, but also tell the story of Guyana.”

Meanwhile, the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller lauded the support of the project.

“I think the initiative is brilliant, I think it will get more people out to the zoo. Guyana should be very proud of its incredible biodiversity, and the zoo is the way that most people; without going to the hinterland can enjoy it.”