Russian tourist blames Hope Uzodinma govt for near-death condition of lion in Imo zoo; Says international laws being violated
By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa
Owerri, Nov. 14, 2021
A Russian tourist Mr. Michael Benbruce has blamed what he described as the near death condition of the Lion in the Imo state zoological gardens and wildlife parks on the state government’s negligence and poor feeding of the lion.
He said going by the poor welfare condition of the animals in the zoo, the Imo government has violated international laws protecting animals under captivity.
Benbruce disclosed this in an interview with our Correspondent on Saturday, after he visited the Imo state zoological gardens and wildlife park on Thursday.
He expressed displeasure over the poor state of animals in the zoo and the dilapidated facilities within the conservation area.
“I’m a Russian citizen and international tourist. I visited the Imo zoo to see for myself how the animals are faring, but I must tell you that I’m totally disappointed.
“Imo government must take responsibility for the poor state of the animals kept in its care because what I see here is a near death condition of the Lion and other animals in the facility.
“Government must be aware that there are laws protecting zoo animals, but I can tell you that those laws have been violated here”, he said
Benbruce said any government that fails to take care of animals kept in its custody cannot deliver good governance to the people.
He, however, advised the government to immediately begin a rehabilitation program in the zoo to enable it rescue the Lion, which he described as the biggest asset in the facility.
Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Uche Ohia told NAN in a brief reaction that government was aware of the situation in the zoo and said it would soon reposition the facility.
He said “yes we are aware of the development. Lack of funds is the major challenge we are having. We want to diversify to enable us raise funds for the facility.
“Government is already fixing the major road leading to the zoo which caved in recently due to ecological problems,” he stressed.
