The first time I visited the zoo, I was mesmerized by the variety of animals: Monkeys, Zebras, Leopards, Chimpanzees, Lions, Birds, Tigers, Pythons, Hyenas, Horses, and Antelopes, among others. The memories of that outing remain vivid in my mind to this day.
Visiting zoos opens our eyes to the wonders of God’s creations. Observing these animals, we see them communicate through body language and maintain their natural behaviors within their habitats. A zoo is a place everyone should experience. Life in the animal kingdom is captivating, and it would be wonderful if the Nekede Zoological Garden could be established in a community within the Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area. Other suitable locations in Imo State include Ohaji-Egbema, Ihitte-Uboma, or even Onuimo.
Onuimo, among the twenty-seven councils, appears to be the most marginalized. While the government hasn’t neglected the area, there’s a notable absence of visible projects. Establishing a zoological garden there would bring significant benefits. After the current administration of Distinguished Sen. Hope Uzodimma builds a standard zoo, it would be ideal to reintroduce these animals to the state.
During my secondary school days, our Agricultural Science teacher, Sir Ihekwoaba, taught us that a zoo is a place where wild animals are kept for research, education, and entertainment. The Nekede Zoo used to attract visitors from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States, significantly benefiting tourism. The Imo State Government should expedite the construction of a new zoo, enhancing the tourism sector in Imo and the Southeast region.
Governor Hope Uzodimma has excelled in various sectors of the Imo economy. However, the Zoological Garden needs attention. The Nekede Zoo, once the only zoo in the Southeast, is no longer operational. Under the Imo State Ministry of Culture, the zoo faced numerous setbacks, despite being a major revenue generator. Apart from Oguta Lake, the Nekede Zoo was a key tourist attraction, boosting the state’s economy.
I remember seeing students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions visiting the zoo for excursions. These visits provided valuable learning opportunities about different animal species. Vendors selling “suya” and bush meat at the zoo’s entrance thrived, and Nekede Old Road gained popularity due to the zoo.
The Nekede Zoo housed a variety of reptiles, all well-cared for with adequate food and medical facilities. The government maintained strict guidelines to ensure the animals’ safety. This zoo was a major source of entertainment and education for children in Imo and beyond. It provided them with practical knowledge about wildlife, enhancing their school learning experience.
Rebuilding and maintaining a zoo in Imo State would not only revive these benefits but also bring new opportunities for tourism and education. Let’s hope the government takes swift action to bring back this valuable institution.
