Ogba Zoo Prepares to Receive Tourists at Yuletide.

                      Andy Ehanire.

Chief Executive Officer, Ogba Zoological and Nature Gardens.

By Newscurve.

Ogba Zoological Gardens and Nature Park has put everything in place to make visits to the facility memorable for tourists and visitors during this Yuletide season. 

The management of the facility has also put adequate security in place to guarantee the security of visitors to the zoo during and after the Yuletide season.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ogba Zoological Gardens and Nature Park, Benin City, Andy Osa Ehanire who stated this while speaking to journalists in Benin City said adequate measures have also been put in place to ensure adherence to the Covid-19 pandemic protocols.

According to him, "we always plan for Yuletide season, because it is the major plan most of our clientele are banking on. They may not decorate their homes or do any special hosting, but Xmas and New Year is about Ogba Zoo since that is where it is happening. We always aim at a carnival. Every segment of the society has as many thrills to excite, especially children and the youths, but no matter your age, Ogba Zoo is where Xmas/New Year happens. We do much decorations for an amusement park, then add foodies, music with multiple DJs, we have Uncle Six o'clock with lots of mascots, also dance competitions, games with lots of prizes. Of course there will be animal shows, then our special Ogba Zoo Trade Fair. It's actually a mouthful and people know we don't disappoint. Same old fares at N300 for normal days, while N500 for special events : Xmas, Boxing Day and New Year Carnival. It's a holiday to never forget. 

"Ogba Zoo celebrates the great outdoors where Covid-19 don't have easy chances. Visiting indoors is where the problems lie but we have much room for social distancing. We are also ready with hand washing facilities and sanitizers. We will even help to make people better informed on Covid-19 protocols.

While listing some of the animals in  the zoo,  Ehanire lamented the challenges confronting the management in running the zoo, pointing out that a lot of sacrifice is involved as resources generated are not enough to cater for the needs of the animals in the zoo.

"The varieties are always available especially the lions, ostriches,  horses, baboons, hyenas, crocodiles, monkeys, exotic birds etc. The well maintained  grounds are enticing, with extensive picnic areas and forest trails. So you get a feel of the city and the tranquility of the natural environment. 

"In Nigeria, you always have a few gaps with the required dedicated hands that keep facilities running, so we make the sacrifice for extra hands to make sure our operations are well supervised. Security is no problem as the State security apparatus is primed to do maximum deployment. We are still working on how to carry out our educational mandate with optimal signage and tour guides".