Ogba Zoo (also known as Ogba Zoo & Nature Park) is a state-owned zoological park located in Oko Central, Oredo Local Government Area in Benin City, of Edo State, Nigeria.[1][2]
| Ogba Zoo | |
|---|---|
 Ogba Zoo Sign Post | |
 | |
| 6°17′20″N 5°35′16″E / 6.28889°N 5.58778°E | |
| Date opened | 1965 |
| Location | Benin City, Nigeria |
| Owner | State owned |
| Website | http://www.ogbazoo.com/ |
The area covers 750 acres of land and water, and is home to local and other wild species, including primates, lions, giant tortoises, rock pythons, equine and antelope species.[5]
Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed described the zoo as one of Nigeria's top tourist destinations.
Incidents
editOn September 25, 2017, the zoo was attacked by gunmen who killed three policemen and abducted the zoo's director, Andy Ehanire.[6][7]
Beyond the attack incident, the zoo has moved to strengthen its security architecture through collaboration with relevant security outfits and agencies. It has ever since then, moved on to be a safe haven, receiving visitors and tourists from all over Nigeria
History
editOgba Zoo was created in 1971 by the state government to promote conservation, education, and tourism in the region. The zoo was designed to showcase the rich biodiversity of Nigeria and provide a recreational space for the public. Over the years, the zoo has undergone significant developments and expansions, including the addition of new animal species and the establishment of a botanical garden.[9]
Features and Attractions
editOgba Zoo is home to a diverse range of local and wild species, including
- Primates (gorillas, chimpanzees, monkeys)
- Big cats (lions, leopards)
- Hoofed mammals (antelopes, buffaloes)
- Reptiles (rock pythons, crocodiles)
- Birds (parrots, eagles)
The zoo also features a botanical garden with over 100 species of plants, a relaxation spot, and a sightseeing area. Visitors can take guided tours or explore the zoo on their own.[10]
Conservation Efforts
editOgba Zoo is involved in various conservation programs, including:
Breeding programs for endangered species, such as the Nigerian chevrotain.
- Habitat restoration and preservation
- Education and awareness programs for visitors
Collaboration with international organizations, such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) [11]
Challenges and Future Plans
editDespite its rich history and attractions, Ogba Zoo faces challenges related to funding and maintenance. Efforts are being made to revamp the zoo's infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience. Future plans include the establishment of a wildlife sanctuary and the expansion of conservation programs.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in throes of death - the Nation Nigeria". Archived from the original on 2017-09-27. Retrieved 2017-09-26.
- ^ "Why Benin's famous Ogba Zoo and Nature Park suffers - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com. 6 October 2019. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ^ "Why Benin's famous Ogba Zoo and Nature Park suffers". Daily Trust. 2019-10-06. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
- ^ Ajayi, Omolola O. "ZOO TOURISM IN NIGERIA: OGBA ZOO AND NATURE PARK IN PERSPECTIVE".
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "Why Benin's famous Ogba Zoo and Nature Park suffers". Daily Trust. 2019-10-06. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
- ^ "Nigeria's Ogba Zoo attack: Three policemen killed". BBC News. September 25, 2017.
- ^ "Ogba Zoo attack: We are on top of security situation, Obaseki assures". Vanguard News. 2017-09-26. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
- ^ "The Ogba Zoo attack - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com/. 2017-10-02. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ Krieger, Milton; Ellah, Francis J. (April 1998). "Ali-Ogba: A History of Ogba People". African Studies Review. 41 (1): 183. doi:10.2307/524701. ISSN 0002-0206. JSTOR 524701.
- ^ Savage, Anne; Diaz, Leysthen; Pasion, Johana; Torregroza, Katharine; Stevens, Alexander Franke; Guillen, Rosamira (2024-06-17). "TITIRITIANDO: Creating an engaging theatrical education program to teach children that cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) are not pets". Folia Primatologica: 1–15. doi:10.1163/14219980-bja10025. ISSN 0015-5713.
- ^ "AZA species survival plans". Zoo Biology. 13 (6): 577–578. January 1994. doi:10.1002/zoo.1430130609. ISSN 0733-3188.