Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, on Saturday, paid a landmark inspection visit to the FUNAAB Zoological Park.
This visit is notably the *first of its kind*, with a sitting Vice Chancellor personally touring the *entire 62-hectare expanse* of the Zoo Park.
The Vice Chancellor was received by the Director of FUNAAB Zoo Park, *Professor Sammy O. Sam-Wobo*, alongside other senior members of staff. The comprehensive tour covered various animal enclosures and key facilities, with the Vice Chancellor making insightful observations and offering directives aimed at strengthening infrastructure and enhancing animal welfare.
During the tour, Prof Olusola Babatunde KEHINDE emphasised the need for:
– *Reinforcement of certain animal enclosures* to improve safety and structural integrity.
– *Revitalization of the waterfowl pools*, ensuring a more suitable environment for aquatic birds.
– *Expansion of the crocodile enclosure*, in response to the growing number of crocodiles housed at the Park.
– *Increased efforts in animal acquisition*, with a focus on populating currently vacant enclosures.
The Vice Chancellor also reaffirmed his *earlier approval* for two major developmental projects at the Zoo Park:
1. The construction of a *standard elephant enclosure*.
2. The establishment of a *dedicated ranch for ungulates*, which will further enhance the Park’s biodiversity and educational offerings.
In addition to visiting the enclosures, Prof. Olusola Babatunde KEHINDE toured the Zoo’s *Activities Centre*, expressing commitment at ensuring convenient working environment for all the staff.
An interactive session with the Zoo Park staff followed the inspection. In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor reiterated the University management’s *unwavering commitment* to the growth of the Zoological Park and assured the team of continued institutional support. As a prompt response to some of the infrastructural needs identified during the tour, he directed that a *bricklayer from the University’s Works and Maintenance Unit* be assigned to the Zoo Park beginning *next Monday* to commence necessary repair work.
The staff and management of FUNAAB Zoo Park expressed profound appreciation for the Vice Chancellor’s visit, describing it as *inspiring, reassuring, and visionary*.
This visit reflects the University leadership’s *dedication to conservation education, research support, and eco-tourism advancement* at FUNAAB.
