Kumasi Zoo, also known as the Kumasi Zoological Garden, is one of Ghana’s last remaining zoos, located in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital. Between the Centre for National Culture and the Kejetia Bus Terminal, the Zoo covers a total of 370 acres.
The zoo was built starting in 1951 and officially inaugurated in 1957 under the president of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in an effort to save wild creatures, particularly those that are rare and on the verge of extinction.
Over the years, the zoo has grown to become one of Ghana’s most popular tourist sites for animal enthusiasts who come to see some of the creatures kept there up close.
However, the Zoo has recently been on the verge of closure due to a lack of government support for the facility. According to several press sources, visitors to the site have declined dramatically in recent years, while the center’s buildings continue to deteriorate without any effort by the government or competent authorities to replace them.
Lions, Civets, Olive Baboons, Warthogs, Bay Dulkers, Green Monkeys, Ostriches, and Chimpanzees, which used to be plentiful in the Zoo, have drastically dropped in numbers, with only a few remaining.
Nonetheless, the Kumasi Zoo remains one of the most popular tourist places in the Ashanti Region, with the potential to become one of Ghana’s best if the government provides the necessary support.
Function Of Wildlife Division ( Kumasi Zoo)
In the national interest, wildlife resources must be protected, managed, and developed, and wildlife harvesting must be regulated. Exporting animal items requires vetting, conducting pre-shipment inspections, and examining wildlife products. Eco-tourism and sustainable exploitation of wild plants and animals, including their by-products, are two ways to develop and promote wildlife’s economic potential.
Develop wildlife management capability at the national, district, and community levels, including stakeholder participation in successful wildlife management both inside and outside protected areas. Encourage public knowledge, understanding, and support for wildlife conservation, as well as research-based continual improvement in wildlife management.
List of Animals at Kumasi Zoo
Mainly local fauna comprising of the following:
Carnivores (Big & Small Cats) – 6 Species
Primates – 9 Species
Rodents – 5 Species
Reptiles – 13 Species
Ungulates – 6 Species
Birds – 18 Species
Location
The Kumasi Zoo occupies a prime site in the centre of Kumasi, providing one of the few green urban areas in Kumasi for both local citizens and visitors. It is situated in Kejetia, a suburb of the central business area of the Kumasi Metropolitan Area and is located between 6° 34’ N – 6° 46’ N and 1°30’ W – 1°44’ W of Ghana.
Ghana Travel Restrictions
Ghana is open to most travelers again. I mean travelers from all over the world. However, you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines. They are all good for our safety.
Read the ultimate travel guide to Ghana to help you plan your trip.