The Guyana Zoo is poised for a major expansion as part of plans to develop green spaces in the capital city, Georgetown, and attract more tourists.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced this on Thursday as he addressed the 12th Parliament of Guyana.
He also said the zoo will be developed with international standards in mind and that the Botanical Gardens where the zoo is housed, will be enhanced overall. The capital city, Dr. Ali said too, will be enhanced as the government hopes to promote its cultural history.
“These are all parts of building a beautiful Guyana, a new Guyana in which we must take pride in,” President Ali said.
Later Thursday, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo spoke more about the plans for the zoo.
“The zoo has been languishing for a while,” the Vice President said at a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) press conference on Thursday afternoon.
However, it is believed that the zoo can be expanded to include a learning centre and a dining area so children can see more animals while also enjoying a family-friendly environment.
This expansion is likely to unfold at the eastern end of the Botanical Gardens where persons usually engage in bidwatching activities. Jagdeo, however, noted that any expansion efforts must prevent any disturbance to the birds’ habitats.
“It’s a concept that we’re looking at that will give our children more opportunities to be exposed to animals and stuff like that,” he said.
A private sector-led safari-type zoo elsewhere is also being considered. Jagdeo believes this can be a major income earner, adding to Guyana’s ecotourism product.
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