There is a large concentration of wildlife in Africa and Nigeria is not exempted. Are you looking for a relaxation centre to visit? Below are some zoos in Nigeria that could help you with what you need.
National Children’s Park and Zoo
The National Children’s Park and Zoo is located in the highland part of Asokoro District, Abuja right behind the Presidential Villa. This nature of the zoo and the way it was designed makes it a really good place to be when you’re on a picnic with your family and friends. There are a variety of animal species available in the zoo such as the cheetahs, giraffes, ostriches, zebras, and lions. You will also find domestic animals in the zoo like chickens, donkeys, and camels.
The name of each animal is displayed in front of its cage thus making it easy for people especially the little children to identify what animal it is. The park has a play area for kids and a lake; a café is also available for those interested in getting snacks and drinks.
The park is open between 9am and 6pm. Gate fee for adults is #200 and for children, #100.
Audu Bako Zoo, Kano (Gidan Zoo)
The Audu Bako Zoo is located along zoo road in Kano State, Nigeria. Audu Bako Zoological and Botanical Garden, more commonly known as “Gidan Zoo” was established in the year 1971 and it was not opened officially to the general populace until a year later in 1972 when the formal opening ceremony was conducted by the then governor of Kano State, Audu Bako. The zoo covers a total land mass of 46 hectares and is under the management of the government of Kano State Zoological & Wildlife Management (KAZOWMA). There are many animals in the zoo and they include antelopes, camels, giraffes, elephants, hyenas, hippopotamuses, lions, and zebras.
A lot of individuals from Nigeria and around the world visit this zoo either for recreation or for educational purposes. There are various stores where food, snacks and drinks are sold within the zoo.
Audu Bako Zoo open between 9am and 6pm, gate fee is #100 for adults and #50 for children.
University of Ibadan zoological garden
The University of Ibadan zoological garden was created in 1948 for the purpose of research and teaching in the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan. But as time went on, the zoo collected a wide range of animals and as their numbers grew rapidly and diversely, the zoological garden was converted to a full-fledged zoo in the year 1974.
The zoo covers a total land mass of 10 hectares and within the zoo are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and even amphibians. Animals in the University of Ibadan zoological garden are put together into 6 major groups which include Avian, Reptile, Carnivore, Primate, Herbivore, and small animals. There are shops in the zoo that sell meals and snacks and there’s a really tranquil garden that serves as a picnic site.
The zoo is open between 8am and 4pm and gate fee is as follows: UI students with ID card pay #100; visitors pay #200; children below nine pay #100.
Jos Wildlife Park
The Jos Wildlife Park was built in the year 1956 but it was not opened formally to the masses until the year 1957. The park is located along Miango road, in Rantya area of Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria. It is also known as the Jesse Aruku Wildlife Park and it covers a total of 8 square kilometres and 3 square miles of land. It is one of the distinguished zoological gardens that is available in Nigeria and there are a lot of animals that you can find there such as chimpanzees, monkeys, elephants, hippopotamuses, buffalos, crocodiles, hyenas, gazelles, lions and lots of other birds.
Within the park is a children’s playground, picnic spots, a restaurant, and a history museum that tells stories about the park and Jos as a whole. It opens by 9am and closes at 5pm.
Ogba Zoo, Benin City
Ogba Zoo was founded in the year 1915. It is located in a forest reserve zone in Ogba village that is about 6 kilometres away from Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The total land mass covered by the zoo is about 20 hectares and as a result, the zoo is one of the largest there is in the nation. It is house to a variety of animals such as lions, chimpanzees, giant tortoises, peafowls, rock python and a lot more. The zoo is made of landscape grounds that are extensive and within the zoo, there are picnic areas, Refreshment Centres, Function Halls, Restaurants, Outdoor Event Grounds, and a car park. The zoo also has convenience areas, indoor and outdoor games, and a children’s playground.
It opens by 9am and closes by 6pm and the gate fee for adults is #100 while the cost for children is #50.