The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) in collaboration with Schlumberger (SLB) Guyana, recently unveiled a new enhancement project at the Guyana Zoological Park, a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) has stated
This initiative involves establishing a rehabilitated enclosure for various animal species, improving the zoo’s facilities, and providing a more comfortable living environment for its inhabitants, the release said.
PAC Commissioner Jason Fraser, who spoke at the ceremony, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in creating safe and secure urban spaces, it added.
Also delivering remarks was PAC Board Member and President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana Omadele ‘Dee’ George, who emphasised the importance of biodiversity protection for Guyana’s tourism sector, which is a key driver of its economic development, and concluded that this initiative is a crucial step in the nation’s efforts to conserve its natural heritage.
“Guyana’s rich biodiversity is one that we boast to the world, and we are super proud of it, so it is one that we would want to continue to sustain,” the release quoted George as saying.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of SLB for Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Sharlene Seegoolam said that this project reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to the preservation and rehabilitation of local green spaces.
According to DPI, in 2023, SLB also facilitated a similar enhancement activity, with a team of volunteers planting trees, painting structures, whitewashing palm trees, and donating garbage bins to support waste management.
The zoo enclosure houses some of the zoological park’s most treasured and vulnerable species, including the Red-Footed and Yellow-Footed Tortoises, and the majestic Jabiru stork.
“These species are symbols of the biodiversity we are striving to protect. They are part of the broader ecosystem that we are committed to preserving for the people of today but for future generations,” she was quoted as saying.
“Beyond the aesthetics, beyond the newly refurbished enclosure, this initiative is about something much larger: safeguarding biodiversity. The rehabilitation efforts at this zoo are part of a broader transformation, one that seeks to turn this facility into a research and conservation centre.”
Earlier this year, the PAC launched a similar restoration and enhancement journey for the zoological park, as part of its ongoing campaign to enhance urban spaces, the release added.
