In a heartwarming tale of resilience and conservation, the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo Maiduguri has risen from the ashes after a devastating flood in September 2024.
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has played a pivotal role in restoring the zoo, ensuring the safety and well-being of animals, visitors, and staff.
Taraba State ACReSAL Project Impacts 12,000 Beneficiaries
Mrs. Fatimah Pius Birima, the Manager of Sanda Park, recalled the dire situation, saying; “Before the intervention of ACReSAL, the zoo was not as good as now and we have been suffering in the course of taking care of the animals, even the enclosures were all bad, source of water was bad, the cages were broken.
“ACReSAL has done many things. Before we don’t have the interlocking, we don’t have any good-looking cages like this, and before the enclosure of the elephants was full and after the coming of ACReSAL it has been taken care of, and the cages of the crocodiles have been fixed, even the walkway which was not there before was constructed by ACReSAL”
The ACReSAL Project’s intervention has been comprehensive, focusing on:
Renovated Cages: Ensuring the safety and comfort of animals.
Fresh Look: A fresh coat of paint has given the zoo a vibrant new appearance.
Comfortable Seating: Iron and concrete seats have been installed for visitors.
Solid Walkway: A sturdy walkway has been constructed to facilitate easy movement.
Rebuilt Fence: A secure fence has been erected to safeguard the park.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
The zoo’s renovation has had a profound impact on local businesses, with vendors reporting significant increases in sales.
The zoo’s revitalization has also created new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
ACReSAL Project Team Visits Kano to Assess Intervention Progress
Halima Shani, who prepares noodles and sells soft drinks, also saw a significant increase in sales: “Before the ACReSAL intervention, I made N5,000 on working days and N10,000 on weekends. After the renovation, I now make N15,000 on working days and N20,000 and above on weekends” she said.
Other beneficiaries, Saleh Adamu a photographer, is not left out of the benefit of ACReSAL renovation: “I used to take pictures of visitors and animals at the zoo, but I stopped because of the flood. But now, with the zoo’s new look, I can take beautiful pictures again and sell them to visitors. Before the flood, I made N2,000 on working days and N3,000 on weekends. But after the renovation, I now make N6,000 on working days and N7,000 to N9,000 on weekends.”
The transformation of the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo serves as a shining example of the power of collaboration and effective project delivery.
The zoo’s rehabilitation underscores the importance of environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about and appreciate the region’s rich biodiversity.
As the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo continues to thrive, it is poised to become a major tourist attraction in the region, driving economic growth and promoting environmental stewardship.
The ACReSAL Project’s intervention has been instrumental in reviving the zoo, and its impact will be felt for generations to come.