Latest update March 29th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 29, 2014 News
Contractor Alvin Chowramootoo is scheduled to begin construction of the $32M petting zoo today with a projected duration of about four to five months. This project is part of the Zoological Park’s modernization master plan and is expected to cost US$11M.
This disclosure was made by Damian Fernandes, Protected Areas
Commission (PAC) Commissioner, who said that the petting zoo, when completed could increase return visits of patrons, hence increasing revenue. Currently, about 33,000 visits are made to the park monthly.
Fernandes made this announcement yesterday at the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment boardroom, Brickdam, while addressing media operatives.
Displaying colourful slides as part of a PowerPoint presentation, Fernandes emphasized the modernization of the Zoological Park and how neatly the petting zoo will be fitted. The children’s area situated near the Nature School, which facilitates visits from about 120 schools yearly, will be transformed into an educational complex.
He said that the petting zoo would significantly strengthen the Nature School education programme. Additionally, the playground, will serve as a complete and effective facility youth-focused education at the Zoo.
“In essence, the petting zoo is meant to be a living example of the Zoo’s renewed emphasis on education, enhanced visitor experience, animal welfare, and higher standards,” Fernandes said.
He related that the facility is based on a roughly circular design with an all-weather walkway made out of paving stones around a central semi-aquatic enclosure. Outwards, on the other side of the walkway, would be a series of open enclosures that will feature docile animals conditioned to allow for human-animal interaction.
According to Fernandes, a majority of the structures will be made of concrete and other heavy duty material to reduce maintenance costs. Moreover, design and construction of the petting zoo will be informed by international guidelines.
The petting zoo design includes wash stations for visitors, grazing space, and exercise areas at the back. Considering the effects of the 2005 flood, the petting zoo will be raised three-feet above the existing level. This will allow the facility to be drained quickly reducing maintenance costs and improving sanitation.
Several weeks ago, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, who was not equipped with full knowledge of what a petting zoo was, said it was foolishness. He could not understand why Cabinet gave its no-objection to a $32.5M contract to erect such a facility.
However, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud yesterday assured that Dr. Luncheon was adequately informed of what the petting zoo is, and he has embraced the idea.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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