Inside UI zoo: Campus funfair spot during strikes, holidays

Established in 1948 primarily as a menagerie to support teaching and research in the Department of Zoology, the animal collection has grown in number and diversity. It later gradually became a full-fledged zoo in 1974. Daily Trust Saturday visits the zoo.

The zoological garden at the University of Ibadan remains the only source of funfair on campus during strike or holidays.

The garden is home to a wide array of animals comprising mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

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The University of Ibadan Zoo, like most modern zoos, displays wild animals primarily for the conservation of endangered species, for research purposes and education, as well as for the entertainment of visitors.

Daily Trust Saturday reports that there are diverse animals like lions and lionesses, elephants, different species of dogs and cat families, different bird species, giraffes, crocodiles, snakes, gorillas, baboons, monkeys, crocodiles and many more.

Our correspondent reports that even during holidays, the zoo is flooded with parents and teachers bringing their wards and children to catch fun in a serene environment.

There are numerous picnic spots located within the zoo where visitors relax in the shade of giant trees. The shops and kiosks at the zoo premises also offer a variety of snacks, soft drinks and cookies.

For the security of visitors, warnings about dangerous animals are boldly written on the entrance of each of the blocks while staff are on duty to caution visitors.

In an interview with Daily Trust Saturday, the Director of the Zoo, under the faculty of Science, Dr. Kehinde Popoola, attributed the success story of the garden to the structure the successive directors met on ground.

He said; “The structure we met on ground help us to maintain the standard. The management has a board under the faculty of Science which is doing a great job. The critical thing here is the functional management which has been helping us not to derail.

“The board check how we manage our resources. We have a mandate of reporting to the chairman and he also reports whatever we decide to the management. I think the people who established the institution in 1948 should be given credit for ensuring that professionals are managing it.”

Our correspondent also spoke with a former Director of the zoological garden, Professor Olajumoke Morenikeji, during whose tenure from 2010 to 2016 the garden witnessed a great turn around. She said most of the structures on ground were put in place during her tenure as director.

United Kingdom-based Adebola Rebecca, who visited the garden for the first time, described her experience as ‘fantastic’.

“My uncle is based here in Ibadan. He had told me about this garden before but I deliberately ignored it. So, today I decided to visit and I can tell you that it is fantastic. The crazy display of that gorilla made my day.

“Looking at the animals, you will agree with me that they are all healthy. The environment is well kept. I understand some of the animals were donated to the zoo, which is commendable on the part of the donors. I think it is a worthwhile experience.”

A school teacher who led his over 50 pupils to the garden, Mr. Sola Adegboyega, said many of the pupils have heard the names of the animals before, but there is need to ensure that they see the animals live.

“Many of them have seen the animals on television but they have not had the opportunity to see them live. That is the reason we are here. It is a good idea and aside the fact that it is a way of generating revenue for the institution and teaching their students, it also brings funfair to the campus while students are at home,” he said.

Another lady, Kemi Olatunbosun, noted that she had a conner where she relaxes whenever she wanted to read or needed privacy.

“I am here to relax. Whenever I fell like meditating and appreciating God, I visit this place. If I have anything disturbing my brain, I visit this place to appreciate God. The N500 I usually pay as entrance fee makes me appreciate my existence. I forget my sorrow and have a rethink of my challenges. God is great.”

To Mrs Seun Aina, the zoo experience will continue to linger in the memory of her children, because “it was their first time of seeing live wild animals, especially lion and giraffe. They’ve never seen them before. You can see the excitement in their faces. They really enjoyed themselves. I wish to visit this place again.”