The management of the Kumasi Zoological Gardens have closed down the facility to make way for renovation works.
The Zoo, which is located in the central business district of Kumasi, currently houses about 143 animals made up of 36 different species.
The Manager of the Zoo, Dr Meyir Ziekah, indicated in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi that, the renovation works have become necessary for the replacement of weak cages and walls which will prevent any disaster in the future.
He however rebutted claims that, the closure was due to the outbreak of the coronavirus and the subsequent restrictions imposed by the government.
Dr Ziekah further explained that the ongoing rehabilitation works are expected to be completed in December 2020 for public visits.
He said the Zoo is serving its core purpose as a place where tourists get the opportunity to see different kinds of animals, and at the same time, as a research center for animal scientists.
“It is also serving as a preserve haven for animals, currently experiencing extinction in the country’s forest reserves,” he noted.
He made a passionate appeal to NGOs interested in the preservation of animals to help support the efforts of government to reposition the Kumasi Zoo as a major tourist site in the country.
