The Animal Protection Organisation of Nigeria (APON) has called for international support to rehabilitate and revitalise the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden.
The organisation made the call after inspecting the facility, during which it identified the need for urgent investment in modern infrastructure, improved animal welfare systems and the development of a more diverse and sustainable animal population.
APON observed a decline in the number and diversity of animals at the zoo, noting the presence of a lone giraffe, limited numbers of chimpanzees and lions, and the absence of species such as gorillas and zebras.
The organisation, however, stressed that its assessment was aimed at identifying practical and sustainable solutions and should not be interpreted as an attempt to apportion blame for the current state of the facility.
To address the challenges, APON proposed the establishment of an international funding mechanism to support the development of modern animal habitats, improved barriers, enhanced safety systems and a dedicated veterinary facility.
It also recommended replacing outdated cages with spacious and enriched environments designed to replicate the animals’ natural habitats more closely.
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According to the organisation, any funding programme should also provide for permits, logistics and appropriate ethical procedures to facilitate the responsible introduction of new species after the required infrastructure and animal welfare standards have been put in place.
The founder and Executive Director of APON, Ambassador Joseph Odika, called for the establishment of an emergency infrastructure and repopulation fund.
Odika said a revitalised zoological garden would strengthen the facility’s educational, research and wildlife conservation functions.
Advisers to APON, Mr. Adeleye and Ms. Susan, also stressed the need to prioritise infrastructure, animal welfare and professional management before expanding the animal population.
APON urged international conservation organisations, foundations, philanthropists and zoo networks to support a transparent and independently monitored programme to restore the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden as a leading centre for wildlife education, research and biodiversity conservation in Nigeria and West Africa.