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Wildlife parks operators under the aegis of Friends of the Zoos Nigeria (FOZ) have called on the federal and state governments to strengthen wildlife park by conservation, improve zoos’ management and promote sustainable eco-tourism in the country.
They also mourned the immediate past patron of the association, Alh. Bamaga Tukur, who passed away recently.
The group revealed this in a communiqué issued at the end of its fourth-quarter meeting and election held recently at the University of Ibadan, Oyo state, and signed by the President of FOZ, Abdullahi Baba Yahaya, and the Secretary General, Alh. Ado Muhammad Danjuma.
During the election, Dr. Muhammad Sarki Usman was elected as Grand Patron and Chairman of the Board of Trustees effective September 1, 2026, while Abdullahi Baba Yahaya was returned as president of the association for a new four-year term to serve along other new executive members.
The operators urged the governments to convene a stakeholders’ roundtable to develop a framework, including laws and policies that would align Nigeria’s wildlife and forestry facilities with international best practices.
The association also called on the Ministers of Environment and Culture and Tourism to address challenges affecting animal rescue centres and establish an inter-ministerial committee involving experts and chief executives in the tourism sector to accelerate the development of ecotourism.
They reaffirmed their commitment towards promoting the welfare of animals and their handlers, upgrading facilities and strengthening human capacity development across zoos and wildlife parks in Nigeria.
Zoos and wildlife parks “are important centres for educational research, tourism and recreation,” stressing the need for operators to develop programmes that encourage public participation in nature conservation,” they said.
FOZ equally urged its members to work with facilities in their communities to develop educational activities that promote cultural heritage, inspire conservation efforts and encourage people to support environmental protection programmes.
The association also emphasised the importance of introducing forestry education to children and young people, with tree planting identified as a key message to be promoted across the country, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.
The association also commended the Conservator-General of the National Parks Service, Ibrahim M. Goni, and his team for responding to wildlife distress calls nationwide and contributing to the rebranding of national parks.
It also expressed appreciation to the Parks and Recreation Department of the Federal Capital Territory for supporting ecotourism development.
FOZ also encouraged individuals and organisations to invest in zoological parks and wildlife facilities in the country.
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