The Kumasi Zoological Garden in the Ashanti region which was closed down last year has been reopened to the general public on Saturday, March 6, 2021. The zoo, which was established in 1951 and opened in 1957 by the Asanteman Council to conserve nature and display indigenous wild animals of Ghana, was closed down to pave way for renovation works. Madam Ernestina Anie, the Public Relations Manager for the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission (WD-FC) said, the renovation was to make the centre more spacious, serene, attractive and to also add more services to attract tourists to the centre. “As part of the renovation exercise, some cages which house the animals like crocodile and birds among others, have also been reconstructed”, she added.
Madam Anie revealed that, not only religious areas where people can come and pray have been incorporated into the centre but its doors have also been opened for students and researchers to come and study and conduct research. Picnic areas have also been added to the zoological centre. The wildlife division, she said, is also planning to add some exotic species like Zebra among others to the indigenous species to attract more patrons. She expressed the hope that, the redevelopment of the zoo and the new services added would enable the zoological garden located in the heart of Kumasi to generate more revenues for the nation as more tourists are expected to visit. Madam Anie, has therefore urged Ghanaians to come and watch the indigenous species like lion, chimpanzee and porcupine among others and learn about them because it is the culture and heritage of the nation.