By Femi Dansu

The Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR), Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, today, August 26, 2024, donated a water turtle to the FUNAAB Zoological Park to support its growth and development.

Commending the donor, the Director, FUNAAB Zoo Park, Prof. Sammy Sam-Wobo, appreciated Mr. Olajide for his generosity, calling on other staff members to emulate the gesture and donate animals to the Zoo, particularly low-risk herbivores that could easily be sustained on grass diet.

Prof. Sam-Wobo who is also the President of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), outlined plans to expand the Park’s offerings, including education, recreation, leisure, tourism, and conservation.

He also announced proposals to collaborate with secondary schools and higher institutions, in addition to developing tents for tourists, events and an affordable cafeteria. According to him, revitalising the Zoo Museum was a priority.

He, therefore, encouraged the University Community members and the public to visit the Zoo to explore the diverse range of low-risk and high-risk animals.

Stating the rationale behind the donation, Mr. Olajide said that his desire to add value to the system and support the University’s advancement was of paramount interest to him.

Responding to the donor, Mr. Saibu Hussein, a Curator in the Zoo noted that the donated turtle was a rare carnivorous reptile, adding that its sex was yet to be determined.

Mrs. Adeola Olateju, an Accountant at the Park, acknowledged the significance of the donation, anticipating that the Park would soon start to generate substantial Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the University.

Meanwhile, the Zoo Park has introduced a new donor policy, allowing the public to contribute to the Park’s growth and development, through donation of animals and food, an initiative aimed to enhance service delivery and promote the Park’s activities.

Interview conducted by Olatoye Sanusi