Since animals are depicted in our meals, folktales, and even national emblems, they have always intrigued us and continue to do so. We have been taught more and more in recent years how crucial it is to prevent the extinction of the animal species that are essential to our survival. Zoos have been crucial in bridging the gap between the general public and wildlife, which would have otherwise been nearly impossible, as well as in advancing our understanding of animals and their behaviour. And Accra zoo is one of the best zoos in Ghana that contribute to wildlife experience.
Accra Zoo
The Accra Zoo continues to draw thousands of visitors, the majority of whom are students from various grade levels. It has amused and educated thousands of Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians about some of the tropical creatures here in Ghana. Somewhere deep within the Achimota jungle is where you’ll find the Accra Zoo. The Achimota Forest borders Dzorwulu to the west, Abofu to the east, and Abelemkpe to the south and is relatively close to the Achimota School.
You must find the main entrance, which is located right across from the Achimota Branch of the Forestry Commission, in order to enter the Achimota Zoo. There are numerous cab drivers and women selling sweets and beverages waiting for customers to use their services. Before entering the forest, visitors can purchase tickets at a tiny office of the Forestry Commission. These tickets can be used to access any area of the forest for any permitted activity.
The main gate of the woodland is located approximately 5 minutes’ driving and 30 minutes’ walk from the Accra Zoo. The path leading into the forest is less than ideal; it is very uneven and sandy, yet it leads directly to where the zoo is. There are no gates; it is a clearing in the middle of a forest, with plenty of cages and some geese and ducks wandering around freely and filling the air with their quacks. Let’s look at the zoo’s history before we get into the specifics of what it houses.
History Of Accra Zoo
The Accra Zoological Garden was created in 1961 by Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, for the sole purpose of entertaining his guests. It was located behind the Flagstaff House, the current location of government. Like some aristocracy, he started it as a private menagerie. Nkrumah’s authority, however, was short-lived; only six years after founding the menagerie, his government was deposed in a coup d’état, and for fear of his life, he fled to Guinea on a self-imposed exile.
The Accra Zoo was founded when the menagerie was made public shortly after he was overthrown. Until the Ghanaian government decided to move the seat of government from the Osu Castle to the Flagstaff House, this served the general public for a long time. The zoo could no longer be maintained there, therefore discussions about how to move it securely began.
In order to make room for the building and remodelling of Flagstaff House, which would become the new seat of government, the Accra zoo was shut down in 2006 and the animals were moved to the Kumasi zoo. The authorities in charge of the zoo decided that it would be a good idea to build the zoo in the Achimota Forest, far from metropolitan areas and all of its noise and activities, as well as to bring the animals closer to the nature where they would feel more at home.
In order to establish an Endangered Primate Breeding Center, the West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA), a collection of European zoos, chose to work with the zoo’s administration in 2005. The major objective of this centre, which is financed by the German Embassy and run by the WAPCA, is to house and protect endangered mammals.
Protection of endangered species at the Accra Zoo
The endangered White-naped Mangabey and the extremely endangered Roloway Monkey, in particular, have been actively seized and saved by the entire Zoo team. On the advice of the European Endangered Species Programme, some of the monkeys and apes were seized from the pet trade market, while others were imported from European zoos (EEP). To maintain genetic diversity and to guarantee robust and healthy captive populations, WAPCA occasionally exchanges animals with other European zoological collections.
Interestingly, a White-naped Mangabey was born during the Covid-19 outbreak, which delighted the entire zoo team as well as WAPCA because to the endangered condition of that species. There are currently 17 animals at WAPCA, including 3 adult males, 6 adult females, 2 sub-adult males, 5 juvenile White-naped Mangabeys, and 1 adult male Roloway Monkey.
What You Neen To Know
Over 150 distinct species of animals are on show at the Accra Zoo, according to the facility. They appear wholesome, fed, and at ease. The guides’ politeness, expertise, friendliness, and patience all help to make the experience enjoyable. Tortoises, rabbits, an ostrich, an emu, a hyena, warthogs, reindeer, donkeys, jackals, crocodiles, snakes, and many other creatures may be found in the Accra Zoo. Birds of various species, including a crane, Senegal parrots, and African grey parrots, can be found in an aviary. The aviary houses macaws as well as numerous other birds. Visitors will want to take pictures of them since they are so colourful and react to people in unique ways.
Meeting a lion and a lioness in person is one of the primary attractions of a trip to the Accra Zoo; of course, the lions are imprisoned with double and reinforced mesh and people are safeguarded from these animals. The lions’ enclosure is located quite a way from the main zoo, so seeing it is like receiving a surprise. The fact that many visitors are permitted to handle the calm and non-venomous royal python and engage with it as well as snap pictures with it wrapped around their arms or necks is another attraction. This is like the cherry on top of a trip to the zoo since it inspires so many people, especially kids, to conquer their concerns.
Accra zoo Entrance fees
Correct at time of posting.
GHANAIANS
- GHS 2 for Ghanaian Child in Basic School
- GHS 4 for Ghanaian in Senior High School Student
- GHS 10 for Ghanaian Tertiary student with ID card
- GHS 10 for each Ghanaian adult
NON-GHANAIANS
- GHS 5 for each non Ghanaian child up to middle school
- GHS 10 for each non Ghanaian high school student
- GHS 10 for each non Ghanaian tertiary student
- GHS 20 for each non Ghanaian adult
OPENING HOURS
The Accra Zoo opens on all days of the week. See Schedule below.
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Location
Achimota Forest, Ghana Forestry commision, Accra
Accra Zoo Contact Numbers
You can contact Accra Zoo on the following numbers :
Website : accrazoo.bussiness