Mega $2 billion approved for renovation, upgrading of zoo

The Guyana Zoological Park- or the zoo, as it is commonly called, will undergo massive renovations and upgrades through the $2.8 billion sum approved for the National Parks Commission, under the Office of the President.

The $2.8 billion was approved by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply as budgetary allocations for the Office of the President were perused on Monday. Of that sum, $2 billion is for the work needed at the zoo.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira said the government is pursuing a major plan to expand the zoo in Georgetown. In so doing, the animals will dwell in a “proper place” and centres for children and adults to learn in.

At a public consultation held by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo last year, it was revealed that the plans for the Botanic Gardens and Zoo would include a new vehicle entrance and green parking areas, designated spaces to showcase the uses of various flora and fauna, an education and orientation plaza incorporating Indigenous features, and a wildlife conservation and education centre.

For the Botanical Gardens, the government is considering a model that tells the captivating story of Guyana’s landscape, from the lush rainforests to the expansive savannahs and wetlands, bringing a taste of the richness of Guyana’s geographical scenery to the gardens.

This immersive experience can be further inculcated with nature-inspired infrastructure like suspension bridges and canopy walkways, as well as an electrical tram system for greater mobility.

Established in 1952, the Guyana Zoo is the smallest member of the National Protected Areas System.

Meanwhile, the remaining $800 million earmarked for the National Parks Commission is for the construction and rehabilitation of other infrastructure, be it security outlets or guard rails ($200 million) and the national tree planting exercise ($600 million).

Overall, the Office of the President was allocated $12 billion. Funds for the Office of the First Lady to support Mrs. Arya Ali’s numerous ventures helping vulnerable groups and projects across the country are accounted for under this agency.