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Guyana is a land with a large rainforest containing some of the world’s most impressive species of indigenous flora and fauna – a variety of the radiant flora can be found in the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown.Adjacent to the Botanical Gardens is the Guyana Zoo,Dwight Freeney Falcons Jersey, a sanctuary for lost and injured animals,Steve Bartkowski Falcons Jersey, and an exhibition site of the diverse species that dwell in and out of the illustrious tropical forest.The zoo displays almost all of the classes of vertebrates.Even though there appears to be a reasonably large amount of exhibits, it is obvious that there has been a significant decline over the years.Many members of the public have expressed their disappointment at the current state of the zoo. They believe that it can be more visitor-friendly and intriguing.The entrance to the Guyana ZooThe older among us, if they ever visited the zoo many years ago, would be able to reminisce on the beautiful, outstanding exhibits that existed at that time. They will be able to tell the tales of the elephant and the wide varieties of snakes, caimans, birds,Ra Shede Hageman Falcons Jersey, monkeys,Dave Robinson Packers Jersey, etc…. and even the environmental appearance.When Kaieteur News spoke with the General Manager of the National Park/ Guyana Zoo, Yolanda Vasconcellos, she said that she is well aware of the improvements needed, and added that there are long term plans to rehabilitate the facility.Vasconcellos made reference to a letter that was published recently titled “Why is it so hard to create a vibrant zoo and botanical gardens?”She stressed that Guyana’s zoo should not be compared with that of “San Diego,Rod Woodson Steelers Jersey, California”. She believes that instead, it can be compared with those in countries around the Caribbean and South America.Vasconcellos admitted that there is much more that can be done to make the zoo more visitor-friendly and interesting but she stressed that there is the need for corporate funding.The manager explained that if one should research, it will be gathered that almost all of the zoos across the world are supported by corporate bodies. She added that it is very costly to maintain a zoo and very difficult when left up to the government officials alone.Vasconcellos disclosed that whatever her organization asks the government for with regards to maintenance and enhancement of the zoo,Ben Roethlisberger Steelers Jersey, it tries its very best to make it possible.At the same time, she too had her reminiscent moment on the state that the zoo used to be and what it is now. She made mention of the elephant and noted that she would love to see that animal in the zoo again. She stressed however, that to import an elephant is very costly.Vasconcellos cited how economical it would be to put the money that would be used to import an elephant to better uses since it costs the zoo more than half a million every month to provide nutritious meals for the animals.The manager also said that while there is a desperate need for more exhibits,Irving Fryar Patriots Jersey, the organization does not encourage the buying of animals. She noted that they welcome any donation of animals. This newspaper was also told that natural reproduction is also encouraged among the animals.Vasconcellos disclosed that among the many long term plans, a harpy eagle cage 100x40x60ft is expected to commence in about two weeks. In addition, there will be a viewing gallery as tall as the cage that will facilitate better viewing of the birds.The large cage will be built with trees enclosed, which will allow for the birds to fly freely as though it is in their natural habitat.There are plans to rehabilitate the aquarium which is one of the sections in urgent need of repairs. It will be made more exciting and at the same time,Reggie White Packers Jersey, very educational.Vasconcellos is also working her way towards making the animals as comfortable as possible by creating cages that resemble their natural habitats.It is believed that many Guyanese don’t appreciate the efforts of the government to make the zoo a better place for the animals, but according to Vasconcellos,Green Bay Packers Jersey, the public can be assured that everything possible will be done to improve the facility. |
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