The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, has revatilized the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo in Borno State, after been destroyed by a devastating flood that ravaged the state.
AgroClimateNews reports that in September last year, Borno State recorded a devastating flood that left hundreds of people displaced, with animals and other valuables beeing destroyed. The flood was said to have been the most devastating since the last 30 years.
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ACReSAL on its official social media platforms said the zoo has been revitalize and that it is put to use by the general public within and outside the state.
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“After a devastating flood that left animals, visitors, and park officials in distress, the zoo has undergone a remarkable transformation…”Thanks to the rehabilitation efforts of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, the nature and safety of the zoo have been fully restored, attracting a diverse crowd of men, women, and children from all walks of life.
This revitalization is a testament to the project’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of both the environment and the people.
The ACReSAL Project, a flagship initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, is funded by the World Bank and aims to tackle the pressing issues of land degradation and climate change in 19 states of Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). With a six-year timeline set to conclude in 2028, the project is comprised of four key components that work in tandem to drive meaningful change.
Beyond its focus on land management, ACReSAL’s conservation efforts prioritize ecosystem restoration, recognizing the intricate relationships between the environment, wildlife, and human societies. By adopting a holistic approach, the project seeks to create a lasting impact that benefits not only the zoo’s inhabitants but also the broader community, promoting a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
A recent remarkable milestone is the rehabilitation of Sanda Kyarimi Park, a zoo in Borno State, which has significantly improved the living conditions of the animals. Additionally, ACReSAL has provided support to other conservation areas, including Jos Wild-life Park in Plateau State, Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State and the National Prak Services. This support has included the rehabilitation of facilities, distribution of game viewing trucks, and provision of equipment, all of which contribute to the overall goal of enhancing ecosystem restoration and promoting biodiversity conservation.
Malam Goni Ibrahim is the father of Abuna and Mabur, who were brought to the zoo to celebrate their healing from circumcision. “I brought them here to watch the animals and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The park has turned into a mini heaven, more beautiful than ever,” he said.
In the heart of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, lies the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo, a 42-acre zoological garden and wildlife sanctuary that has been a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike since its establishment in 1970.
The zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, including lions, ostriches, crocodiles, pythons, elephants, white hyenas, buffalos, and numerous bird species.
However, in September 2024, the zoo faced an unprecedented challenge when the Alau Dam collapse caused devastating floods, killing some of its animals and destroying its infrastructure.
Mrs. Fatimah Pius Birima, the Manager of Sanda Park, recalled the dire situation, saying; “Before the intervention of ACReSAL, the zoo was not as good as now and we have been suffering in the course of taking care of the animals, even the enclosures were all bad, source of water was bad, the cages were broken.
ACReSAL has done many things. Before we don’t have the interlocking, we don’t have any good-looking cages like this, and before the enclosure of the elephants was full and after the coming of ACReSAL it has been taken care of, and the cages of the crocodiles have been fixed, even the walkway which was not there before was constructed by ACReSAL.
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