GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Guyana government has signaled its intention to seek private investors to develop a safari-type zoo model here, emphasizing wildlife conversation more.
Speaking at a public consultation on the restoration of the Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said that the restoration project will emphasize wildlife conservation and make a keen effort to create interactive spaces to educate visitors on the country’s biodiversity.
Jagdeo said the government recognizes Guyana’s tourism potential and the thrilling experience a safari-style zoo venture can offer.
Generally, this model allows visitors to drive through large enclosures to view animals in more natural settings, similar to a real safari. It often features a drive-through experience, allowing visitors to observe animals from their vehicles.
“We believe you can have a safari-type zoo in the country, where animals are just out in the open. And we want to issue a prospectus where we will give support to any private investor who wants to do this arrangement,” he said.
Jagdeo told the consultation that many people in the region may have never seen or experienced this model or had the opportunity to interact with the many exotic animals Guyanese are familiar with.
“We believe that in the Caribbean, this would be a huge draw to Guyana,” he said, adding that the restoration of the National Zoological Park and the Botanical Gardens is not primarily focused on providing sensational wildlife exhibitions.
“This is not the only opportunity,” he said, noting that many other revenue-generating measures and wildlife experiences would be better suited to a safari-style zoo.
“A private zoo is also being developed in the East, Ban,k so people can visit different places. This [national zoo] has a slightly different purpose, so it is not one where we have many animals and keep them in cages. It is a different concept.”
Jagdeo said the upgrades to these areas are aimed at exposing visitors to Guyana’s diverse landscapes while bringing greater awareness to the country’s climate challenges and the various ways these are being tackled.
The upgrades to these areas are aligned with the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030), which emphasizes biodiversity protection, water management, the maritime economy, climate adaptation, and the energy transition.
Similarly, the government, in partnership with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), has a wider plan to transform and beautify Guyana’s urban landscape.
Through this partnership, an estimated 50,000 flowering trees will be planted along the urban area, including on the East Bank Demerara, the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and Georgetown.
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