A family's visit to a zoo in Yola, Adamawa State, has left them staring at cement animals instead of live ones. The ₦500 zoo tour was meant to be a fun day out for the family, but they were shocked to find that the animals behind the fences were nothing more than painted statues.
Cement Animals in Yola's Zoo Expose Low Standards
A family reportedly paid ₦500 per person to enter the zoo, expecting the usual experience of seeing live animals. However, a video from their visit showed painted animal statues, including a crocodile and a lion, sitting inside seemingly empty enclosures. The family's disappointment was evident as they approached the enclosures, thinking they were looking at real animals.
Nigerians React with Laughter and Concern
Many Nigerians found the situation hilarious, particularly the moment the family realised that the seemingly impressive crocodile was actually a cement sculpture. Behind the laughter, however, lies a bigger issue. Visitors reasonably expect to see living animals at a zoo, and statues and decorative structures cannot replace the actual wildlife experience. This raises an uncomfortable question: what exactly can ₦500 realistically provide in today's Nigeria?
The Cost of Maintaining a Functioning Zoo
Maintaining a functioning zoo is far more expensive than simply opening its gates. Live animals require food, veterinary care, secure enclosures, trained handlers, cleaning, water, security, and regular maintenance. Even basic operational costs can quickly run into hundreds of thousands or millions of naira. A ₦500 admission fee is hardly a sustainable business model for a modern zoo, particularly if the facility is expected to properly feed, treat, and house live animals.
A Bigger Problem Behind the Laughter
The experience has sparked jokes and questions about low zoo fees, poor maintenance, and Nigeria's struggling zoo industry. However, the issue goes beyond a simple misunderstanding. If a zoo cannot afford to maintain live animals, it should be transparent about what visitors will find inside. Public authorities who own or oversee such facilities should ensure that they remain genuine centres for wildlife conservation and education rather than neglected tourist sites.
The Future of Zoos in Nigeria
A zoo is supposed to do more than entertain. It should help people understand wildlife, encourage conservation, and give children an opportunity to see animals they may otherwise only encounter in books or on screens. The incident in Yola highlights the need for proper funding, monitoring, and standards to ensure that zoos in Nigeria remain genuine centres for wildlife conservation and education.
Source: Pulse.ng
