RSG Moves To Rehabilitate PH Zoo

The Rivers State Government has initiated plans to rehabilitate the popular Port Harcourt Zoo.
The plans, according to the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Atosemi Teetito, covers the rehabilitation of the zoo’s perimetre fence, stocking of new animals and upgrading of facilities in the complex.
She also hinted of plans to seek corporate partnership to revitalize the zoo, which clocked 40 years last year.
Teetito, during a familiarization tour of parastatals under the ministry, described the zoo as a revenue earner and window to first time visitors to the state.
She promised that government will give priority attention to the facility, especially in strengthening its security.
“There is need for improvement, there’s need to build the fallen wall. Two weeks ago, we learnt hooligans scaled through the fence to attack visitors, and this is not good news at all. There is also the need to increase the number of animals in the zoo,” she said.
The permanent secretary said a request will be sent to the state government to look into ways to give the facility a facelift, as it will help in the quest by government to boost tourism and diversify the economy of the state.
She, therefore, challenged the staff to be hardworking and dedicated to their duties, assuring them of government’s intervention soon.
Earlier, Manager of Port Harcourt Zoo, Sam Chikweri, who conducted the permanent secretary round the facility, remarked that the complex was due for rehabilitation.
Chikweri informed the permanent secretary that since its establishment in 1974 by former Governor Alfred Diette-Spiff, only the Chibuike Amaechi-led administration has demonstrated the zeal to give the complex a facelift.
The zoo manager lamented the dearth of staff, animals and modern equipment, while seeking the employment of a permanent veterinary doctor to improve animal health.
He also requested for a police security post following activities of hoodlums, who now molest visitors to the facility.