The Rivers State Government, plans to improve on the present state of the state owned Zoological Park in Port Harcourt, the state capital with the aim of making it attain world class standard.

The Port Harcourt Zoo Manager, Mrs Obarabeye Robinson disclosed this Saturday in an interview with The Tide in her office.

Mrs Robinson who reassured customers of the zoo that the present administration had taken note of their suggestions and observations and promised that in no distant time,  the city would have a zoological park befitting  the status of Port Harcourt city.

“I assure you that before this time next year, there would be a massive turn around in this Zoo as my superiors have assured me that work would soon begin on the project”, she said.

She stated that more animals especially,  the mostly desired  by tourists as Zebra, Elephants and Lions would be provided, adding that the new plan would include expansion of the area to accommodate other facilities that would meet the needs of the teeming customers.

The zoo manager debunked insinuations by some persons that one of the two lionesses in the park had died due to lack of proper care.

She took our reporter to the cage of the lionesses to prove her claim and advised members of the public to disregard the rumour.

She, however, emphasised the need for more staff as many workers had retired while some others were on contract basis.

One of the visitors who spoke to The Tide, Mr Luper, a student of Federal University of Agriculture Markurdi called for more  animals. “I have been to Jos Zoo and Maiduguri Zoo where we have about four lions. The cage of the lionesses should be improved upon”, he said and suggested more modern facilities to meet with the competitive needs in tourist industry, especially in the West African coast.

Chris Oluoh