Zoological Park adds to its population
Kaieteur News
March 11, 2007
As sprucing works continues at the Zoological Park aimed at enhancing it ahead of this country's Cricket World Cup, there has been an addition to the zoo's animal population.
According to a release from the facility's management, the new introductions include a Giant River Turtle ( Podocnemis expansa ) which joins four of its kind.
The turtle which weighed about 36kg was received by the Zoo early last month after being rescued by four men in the Rupununi.
At the time of the rescue act the turtle was on its way to nest at the sandy roadway of the Rupununi when a group of individuals attempted to slaughter it.
Upon hearing about the animal's distress, the Zoo officials immediately began making special accommodation to receive it in the interest of saving her life.
It was transported by truck from the Rupununi - in the company of its four guardians - to Georgetown where it was uplifted by several representatives from the Park.
Exploitation by humans has virtually eliminated this turtle from most of the upper Amazon River Basin , and populations across the range are much reduced making it an endangered species in the Guianas.
“The Guyana Zoological Park has a special mandate in promoting wildlife awareness, conservation and appreciation, as such this magnificent creature presently resides in our Turtle exhibit and carries with it a tale that our efforts and those of many in spreading the need for conservation has reached the Rupununi,” a release from the entity stated.
Also three Cougar cubs (puma concolour) were recently born to one of the four Cougars already on housed at the zoo.
The large Cougar exhibit is once again alive with the exuberant presence of three brightly spotted cubs according to the release which added that the five-week-old cubs are spending most of their time familiarizing themselves with their new habitat and the keepers who dedicate most of their time to ensuring that their needs are met.
“The South American Cougars are an endangered species, as such the Zoological Park is proud to welcome them to our collection, for the enrichment and edification of our visitors.”
Additionally, a juvenile Tapir which is presently on exhibit was obtained from the Essequibo Coast where it was living in a domestic habitat.
“The nine months old animal which weighs about 41kg is adapting very well to her new home at the zoo which has been specially furnished to accommodate her needs,” the release added.
Visitors to the Zoo who are interested in viewing these new arrivals, some of whom are still shy, need only contact the nearest Zookeeper, Zoo Education Volunteer, or staff on duty, who would only be very willing to explain the characteristics and the regimes of these new additions
As part of its objectives to continuously enrich its exhibits, the Guyana Zoo expects in the very near future to add a Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and a Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).