The Imo State Ministry of Tourism has flagged off a multimedia awareness campaign for Imo State Zoo and Wildlife Park. The Hon. Commissioner for Tourism, Mazi Uche Ohia (Ph.D) confirmed the development in Owerri yesterday (July 24, 2021) at Obi Ndieze (Mbari Centre), venue of the well attended Imo Stakeholders Forum.
Staff of the Tourism Ministry adorned in the attractive colours of the new brand of the Imo State Zoo and Wildlife Park were sighted at the event distributing finely printed flyers and trifolders and responding to inquiries by prospective visitors.
Speaking to media men at the venue, the Hon. Commissioner for Tourism, Mazi Uche Ohia (Ph.D) stated that the Imo State Zoo and Wildlife Park is a premier animal conservatory and home to over 500 animals from around the world. He explained that the zoo is the only surviving animal conservatory of any consequence in the South East geopolitical zone and that the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, is committed to maintaining the Zoo and Wildlife Park as a model facility for animal conservation, research and recreation.
However, Mazi Ohia mused that it was surprising that many residents of Imo State were unaware that the Imo State Zoo is active and well stocked with a wide range of animals. He said that the Zoo is open for guided tours, horse rides, recreation, with sections for local delicacies, barbecues, animal museum, history gallery, exhibitions, and gifts/gallery to ensure visitor satisfaction.
According to the Hon. Commissioner, a recent statistical survey of visitors to the zoo indicated that there is more awareness about the zoo in Abia State than in Imo State where the zoo is actually located. He said that it was an irony that Imo people were generally unaware of the rich selection of wild animals in the zoo including a lion and a lioness that recently delivered lion cubs, Jackals, baboos, crocodiles, turtles, peacocks, ostriches, hyenas, porcupines, assorted reptiles, eagles and other birds, etc.
The Tourism Commissioner stated that the objective of the awareness campaign is to spread information about the fascinating animal population of Imo State Zoo to everyone in Imo State as well as prospective visitors in the neighbouring states of Abia Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Delta State.
Mazi Ohia said that families, schools, clubs and groups should take advantage of the existence of such a facility to give young persons real life experiences of wild animals, undertake practical lessons, or research or to give themselves a genuine wildlife experience.
Located in Nekede, very close to the bubbling Owerri metropolitan area and close to the hospitality hub, Imo State Zoo and Wildlife Park is an exotic tourist attraction. The animals are housed in protected areas which reflect their natural habitats, allowing visitors to get as close as possible to view the animals.
The Hon. Commissioner stated in other countries, such facilities are greatly supported by the public because of their significance to the environment and to the development of ecotourism. He hinted that plans are being made to introduce more exotic animals, to reconstruct the entrance to the Zoo and to create leeway for animal lovers and animal charities to support the maintenance of Imo State Zoo and Wildlife Park.
Publisher: Don Martyn L.O Nwosu
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