Description of the attraction
Kumasi Zoo is located in the heart of the city, in the Ashanti region. It occupies an area of 1.5 square kilometers between the Keetiya bus station, the old race track (now the Race Corse market) and the center of national culture.
The zoo was founded in 1951, officially opened in 1957 by the Ashanteman Council with the aim of preserving nature and protecting wild animals living in Ghana. In total, 40 separate species of animals are kept here, the total number is more than 130 individuals. A notable feature are the thousands of bats that rest in the trees at the zoo.
Managed by the Wildlife Department of the Republic's Forest Service, it is currently the only active zoo in West Africa in Ghana. Some of the animals were moved here after the closure of the zoo in Accra, when the site was cleared for the construction of the presidential palace.
In addition to the economic benefits, the zoo aims to introduce the culture of Ashanti to people from different walks of life, and also offers a tranquil place of relaxation and recreation for local and foreign tourists. Up to 100 thousand visitors come here every year. The zoological garden is popular due to its convenient location - it is located next to the cultural center of Kumasi, a dynamic market and is an island of greenery in the center of the city.
Unfortunately, the project is underfunded, as a result of which some enclosures and pavilions are empty, and some of the animals are fed by private chefs in order to reduce the costs of the Wildlife Service for feed and care. For example, the eagle is under the care of Barclays Bank, four local villages provide all the necessary camels donated by Libya, but all the animals look healthy and well-fed.
Some operators offer short walking tours of the city from the Cultural Center to the zoo and to the Central Market.
