Government to establish five regional zoos
James Musinguzi is the executive director and chief executive officer of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre formerly known as the Entebbe Zoo. MORGAN MBABAZI | NMG
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) has said it is carrying out feasibility studies to establish five regional zoos to promote animal conservation.
“We have stopped taking animals for exhibitions because of the accident which happened last month where we lost a lion. We are carrying out feasibility studies to establish zoos in Mbale, Mbarara and Fort Portal,” Dr James Musinguzi, the executive director UWEC, said, adding that they hope to have the first regional zoo in 2021.
He made the remarks at the launch of a lions conservation partnership between the Insurance Company of East Africa (ICEA) and the centre on Wednesday.
Dr Musinguzi said while returning from the coronation anniversary of King Oyo in Fort Portal last month, they were forced to kill a lion they had taken for the celebrations because it broke out of the cage.
Dr Musinguzi said according to Zoo Scientist, a science website, scientists have discovered that people develop passion for wildlife and increase care for wildlife when they get into contact with animals.
According to the partnership, ICEA will support feeding the seven lions at UWEC.
“We are extending support to UWEC for them to look after lions which are rescued from wilderness and those in distress to improve their quality and population and the money we are giving is for feeding the ones at the centre,” Mr Emmanuel Mwaka, the ICEA chief executive officer, said.
