THE Protected Areas Commission (PAC), in collaboration with Schlumberger Guyana (SLB), has launched a new initiative called the Animal Rehabilitation Project, aimed at enhancing the facilities of the Guyana Zoological Park and enriching the experience for wildlife enthusiasts, children, and visitors. This project is part of a broader effort to conserve Guyana’s rich biodiversity and marks a significant step in the rehabilitation of the zoo’s animals and enclosures.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on Friday at the Guyana Zoological Park in honour of World Tourism Day 2024, celebrated this important public-private partnership, with SLB being the first corporate partner to support the initiative. The event underscored the importance of investing in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, showcasing the remarkable wildlife of Guyana.

Jason Fraser, Commissioner of the PAC, praised SLB for its leadership and involvement, noting that the company had been instrumental in making the project possible from the outset. “This enclosure is the first of many to be created through this partnership,” Fraser said. He also shared plans for further enhancements, including the introduction of open-concept spaces for animals and additional walking paths within the zoo. Fraser called on other organisations to join the effort, highlighting the importance of safe, secure, and educational green spaces in urban areas.
Dee George, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), echoed Fraser’s call for greater stakeholder involvement, stressing the need for continued preservation of both urban and natural green spaces.

SLB Guyana’s Vice President, Sharlene Seegoolam, expressed pride in her company’s role in the project, noting that it reflects SLB’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship. Seegoolam highlighted that SLB had committed to preserving green spaces through its annual Adopt a Park initiative two years ago, with volunteers planting trees and engaging in beautification efforts. She described the Animal Rehabilitation Project as a modest but meaningful first step towards a more impactful contribution to Guyana’s environment.

The newly enhanced space will provide a home for some of the zoo’s most vulnerable species, including the red-footed and yellow-footed tortoises. Seegoolam emphasised that these animals are symbols of the biodiversity that SLB and PAC are striving to protect for both current and future generations.
This initiative not only aims to give a second chance to vulnerable wildlife but also demonstrates the potential of public-private collaborations in driving conservation efforts. As the project progresses, more enclosures will be rehabilitated, further supporting Guyana’s wildlife conservation goals.