Maiduguri residents near Sanda Kyarimi Zoo, already grappling with flooding, face a new threat as zoo animals escape amid the rising waters, adding to the chaos and danger. The News Agency of Nigeria is reporting that an Ostrich and a crocodile have already escaped as the flood rages on.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
This is raising fears that others like elephants, lions, and snakes domiciled in the zoo may find their way out at any moment.
While one of the crocodiles that escaped was found dead after it was attacked by some unidentified persons, the Ostrich has been wandering.
When contacted, the Director, Forest and Wildlife, Ayuba Peter, who said the incident took them unawares, confirmed that the Zoo Manager had intimated him about the recent development.
Peter said roads around the area have been blocked to stop human movement, while wildlife staff were patrolling to pick any animal that escaped, particularly the carnivores.
Meanwhile, a reliable source in the zoo told NAN that about 80 percent of the animals in the zoo, particularly the carnivores who can’t escape due to their locked facility, are dead, while others like snakes and crocodiles have been washed away by the flood.
NAN reports that the raging flood from the collapsed Alau Dam has continued to submerge many areas in Maiduguri and environs.
