Flood risk: Borno zoo’s wild animals face displacement threat

Wild animals, including snakes, crocodiles, hyenas, and a lion, at the Sanda Kyarimi Park in Maiduguri, Borno State, face fresh threats of displacement as rising water channels and overgrown bushes encroach on the zoo premises.

Recall that on September 11, 2024, how devastating floods displaced several animals in the zoo, affecting over one million residents. At the time, the zoo’s General Manager, Ali Abatcha, revealed that 80 per cent of the animals were killed, while others escaped into the city.

During a visit on Tuesday, our correspondent observed that the section housing four hyenas is now overrun with dense bushes. The waterway running through the park has also risen above normal levels, leaving cages close to the riverbank vulnerable to flooding.

The zoo currently houses hyenas, ostriches, snakes, monkeys, a lion, and an elephant, among other animals.

Tourists who spoke expressed concerns over the situation, calling for the immediate relocation of the animals to safer areas to prevent another mass displacement.

“I think with this water level, it is time to move the animals to a safe location. If heavy water comes again at night, the animals could escape into town,” said Hauwa Salihu, a visitor.

Another tourist, Dadu Gimba, lamented the overgrown state of the enclosures.

Look at these grasses, it’s as if the hyenas are still in the jungle. There is a need for maintenance. I couldn’t stay in that section for 30 minutes; it feels like the hyenas might jump out,” he said.

Ebina Ishaq, also visiting the zoo, warned of the dangers the rising water poses to nearby residents, particularly children.

“Imagine if this water level rises and floods the zoo. It will damage the infrastructure, and animals like snakes could escape again, just like last year. Children who swim near these waterways would be at serious risk,” he said.

Zoo officials, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that they are closely monitoring the water level.

“We are watching it day and night. We believe the water will start receding soon,” one official said, adding that last year’s flooding was an “exceptional case.”