THE Guyana Zoological Park has been temporarily closed to the public as preparatory works begin for a major transformation project that will modernise the facility and improve conditions for animals.
The Protected Areas Commission (PAC), in a statement issued on Saturday, said the temporary closure is necessary to facilitate initial works ahead of the planned upgrades.
According to the Commission, the zoo, which has long been a cherished attraction for generations of Guyanese, is entering the first phase of a redevelopment programme aimed at improving the facility while ensuring higher standards of animal care.
“The zoo holds a special place for many Guyanese, and these preparatory works are an important step in improving conditions for the animals in our care and preparing the site for future improvements,” the PAC said.
It assured the public that animal welfare will remain the highest priority throughout the closure, with every effort being made to ensure the continued care and wellbeing of all animals housed at the facility.
The PAC also thanked the public for its patience and understanding, adding that updates will be provided as the project progresses.
The temporary closure comes as the government moves ahead with its long-promised transformation of the Guyana Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens into what President Dr Irfaan Ali has described as a world-class attraction and “the pride of South America.”
In April, President Ali said the project would significantly modernise the facility while enhancing its role as both an educational and recreational destination.
The redevelopment will include the rehabilitation of the Botanical Gardens and water systems, construction of modern zoo infrastructure to improve animal welfare and facility management, upgraded visitor amenities, improved accessibility and dedicated educational spaces focused on biodiversity and environmental awareness.
The project will also feature new pathways, bridges, landscaping, enhanced security and operational systems, while integrating the zoo and gardens into a broader network of green, cultural, commercial and waterfront corridors as part of Georgetown’s wider urban renewal plans.
President Ali had said the scale and complexity of the project would deliver a modern facility that represents strong value for money while supporting sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation under Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
Public consultations on the redevelopment began in October 2024, when Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo engaged children, university students and other stakeholders to gather ideas for the redesign.
During those consultations, Jagdeo said the project aims to create a modern educational and recreational space that reflects Guyana’s rich natural heritage while expanding green spaces and providing a safe, family-friendly environment.
Plans unveiled during the consultations included interactive exhibits, indigenous-inspired designs, ecosystem replicas, a hop-on-hop-off electric transport system, and the preservation of rare and endangered plant species. The redesigned Botanical Gardens are also expected to feature specialised sections for medicinal plants, native fruit trees and ornamental flora, with upgraded pathways to support guided tours.
Funding for the initiative was bolstered last year when the National Assembly approved a $2.8 billion budget for the National Parks Commission under the Office of the President, paving the way for the long-awaited transformation of one of Georgetown’s most recognisable landmarks.