The Nigerian Association of Zoological Gardens and Wildlife Parks (NAZAP) recently commended the Rivers State Governor Chief Nyesom Wike for planned rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Zoo which would also enhance tourism potentials of the state. Yes, zoological gardens and wildlife parks are attractive resort centres globally and, for some countries, these projects bring in cash and foreign investments. Rather than lechery which is a common diversion in Nigeria, visiting zoological gardens and wildlife resorts can provide healthier alternative means of companionship and comfort.
Zoological gardens and wildlife parks are great means of learning, apart from relaxation and excitements. Regular visits to such resort centres expand the scope of human interaction with nature as well as creatures that live natural lifestyles. Unlike humans who are full of guile and greed, animals, including those in captivity in zoological gardens, can teach humans many lessons practically.
From mating to maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, animals have much natural wisdom and philosophy to profess to humans. So, NAZAP’s commendation of the state governor for a planned rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Zoological Garden bears some zappy philosophy beyond commendation. An idea or view-point is zappy if it is interesting, exciting and promising, far beyond doctrinaire platitudes.
National President of NAZAP Francis Abioye, while making the commendation also revealed that the sum of N472 million was earmarked for the rehabilitation project. That the Port Harcourt Zoo degenerated into a deplorable state did not arise from neglect alone, but same virus responsible for the collapse of public corporations also played some roles. Someone was heard asking why animals in a zoo must have regular food while he and his family would starve; thanks to the prank of eavesdropping!
In the usual Nigerian way of doing business and running public corporations, political patronage played some role in the degenerate state of the zoo. Government contractors, who are usually political party strongmen, are usually experts in cutting corners and getting away with their pranks. Abioye advised the government against contracting non-experts for execution of the project. Yes, there are existing local and international laws regulating the operations and establishment of zoological gardens and wildlife parks.
Therefore, it would not be enough to rehabilitate a zoo that had gone into decay, spending the sum of N472 million for the purpose. There would be a need to apply the zappy philosophy, in addition to applying the existing local and international laws in that regard. Anyone acquainted with Jonathan Swift’s Gullivers’ Travels would have heard about the tribes of Yahoo, Brobdingnag, Lugnag, the Lilliputians, etc. The zappy philosophy originated from the Chief of Brobdingnag.
The zappy philosophy goes like this: “Anybody who is able to make several crops grow where originally there was one, and protect public resources rather than loot or destroy them, serves his people better than all your Generals, Ministers, Judges, etc”. You may call it Brobdingnagian philosophy, but it makes sense, especially when it comes from a chief of animal tribe, to educate a visiting professor from a society of learned people. Perhaps, with a rehabilitation of the zoo, we may learn more from animals than we have from our men of honour and letters.
According to a letter from NAZAP, the Rivers State Government is told that: “We hope that the Bureau for Public Procurement and Intelligence in Rivers State will ensure that such projects are carried out by experienced conservation experts …” By “conservation experts” we should understand that to mean professionals in the conservation of wildlife culture. Animals kept in the zoo or other places of captivity are not meant to be deprived of their “wildlife culture” as if they are being “civilized” or made to adapt to human culture.
It is important to stress this fact, because humans are often very inconsiderate and cruel to animals in captivity. For example, not only are dogs being castrated for various purposes, but there are situations where giant and kingsize animals are forced on women, for fun, based on fees. This practice, to say the least, is bestial, unnatural and immoral. There are several such entertainment centres and joints in some secret places of resort.
There is a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, of which some Nigerians are members. Therefore, the zoo and wildlife culture, which goes with accreditation, is not merely being animal-friendly, but portends more. Apart from being a tourist place of resort and revenue generating project, zoological gardens and wildlife parks are indeed places of learning. Not only intellectual learning process, but an animal village is a centre for imbibitions of the zappy philosophy.
The zappy philosophy knows no guile, deceit, pretences or sophistication, but it is rooted in nature and natural ways of absorbing wisdom. Human beings often suffer from over-sophistication, unnaturalness and artificiality, which close the door to the reception of natural radiations and impulses. Anyone who has been close and nice to animals would agree that animals have compassion and respect for humans. They only become hostile arising from human guile, chicanery and shenanigans.
There is a small breed of Mexican dog known as Chihuahua, whose smooth hair is medicine for people who have anxiety problem. There are also species of snakes and other animals used for various therapeutic purposes. So, being kind to animals is not only a part of the zappy philosophy, but also evidence of humane and advanced humanity. Animals are friends!
Dr. Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.