REPORT ON A STUDY VISIT TO UNIVERSITY OF

ILORIN ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

BY

MOSHOOD FARHAN AYODEJI

14/10AS029

LECTURER IN CHARGE: DR F.D. BABALOLA

JANUARY, 2019
 ABSTRACT

Final year students of the department of Forest Resources Management, UNILORIN, visited
UNILORIN zoological garden on 18th of January 2019. The main purpose for visiting the zoo
was to know the economic importance of the animals in the zoo. The lecturer in charge, Dr. F.D.
Babalola arrived in his Volvo car at exactly 8:13 am and students gained entrance into the zoo at
around 8:20 am (through the second gate without paying a dime). In attendance were 41 students
out of 43 students in the class. Attendance was taken and students contributed a token of N100 to
compensate their tour guide, Mr. Bamidele Taiwo. Students moved round the zoo visiting cages
of all animals. For each animal, Mr. Taiwo gave brief explanation on their unique features,
gestation period, average life span, superstitious believes (especially in the Yoruba sociocultural
milieu), food habit etc. A total of 30 animals belonging to 3 classes were identified in the zoo.
Mammalia class was the most represented class with 14 animals. Ave and Reptilia classes had 11
and 5 animals respectively. Three animals (i.e.Cephalophus natalensis, Pan troglodyte and
Psittacus erithacus) were classified as endangered, four animals (Panthera leo, Panthera pardus,
gazelle dorcas and Balearica pavonina) were classified vulnerable while twenty-three animals
were classified as least concern. The tour was highly educating, fact-revealing and fun. Students
left the zoo at around 11:00 am same day. It is recommended that the zoo management establish
a centralized zoo inspectorate, comprised of individuals with expert knowledge of zoo operation,
veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and animal care, establish education department,
sufficiently resourced and staffed, to inspire and encourage local and national awareness about
the importance of conservation, review the information provided about each animal, ensure that
all zoo employees with responsibility for animals have the necessary training, qualifications and
experience in animal care and discourage direct contact between the public and animals in zoos
especially animals with zoonosis.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................................. ii

TABLE OF CONTENT ............................................................................................................................... iii

LIST OF PLATES ........................................................................................................................................ v

LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................... vii

ABBREVIATION AND ACRONYMS .................................................................................................... viii

CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................................... 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Meaning of Zoological garden ................................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Benefits of Zoos ...................................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 UNILORIN Zoological Garden .............................................................................................................. 2

CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 ANIMALS IN THE ZOO ............................................................................................................ 3

2.1 Peafowl ................................................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Nile Crocodile ......................................................................................................................................... 3

2.3 Duiker ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

2.4 Royal Python........................................................................................................................................... 4

2.5 Forest Cobra ............................................................................................................................................ 4

2.6 Puff Adder............................................................................................................................................... 5

2.7 African Rock Python............................................................................................................................... 5

2.8 Porcupine ................................................................................................................................................ 5

2.9 Warthog................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.10 African Civet Cat .................................................................................................................................. 6

2.11 White Tailed Mongoose ........................................................................................................................ 6

2.12 Lion ....................................................................................................................................................... 7

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2.13 Leopard ................................................................................................................................................. 7

2.14 African Cuckoo Hawk .......................................................................................................................... 7

2.15 Eagle ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.16 Pigeon ................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.17 Crowned Crane ..................................................................................................................................... 8

2.18 Marble Storck........................................................................................................................................ 9

2.19 Emu ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

2.20 Dorcas Gazelle ...................................................................................................................................... 9

2.21 Jackal................................................................................................................................................... 10

2.22 Hyena .................................................................................................................................................. 10

2.23 Ostrich ................................................................................................................................................. 10

2.24 Mule .................................................................................................................................................... 11

2.25 Goose .................................................................................................................................................. 11

2.26 Patas Monkey ...................................................................................................................................... 11

2.27 Chimpanzee......................................................................................................................................... 12

2.28 Baboon ................................................................................................................................................ 12

2.29 Vulture ................................................................................................................................................ 12

2.30 Parrot ................................................................................................................................................... 13

CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................................... 22

3.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE ZOO ............................................ 22

3.1 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................ 22

3.2 Recommendation .................................................................................................................................. 22

REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 23

iv
 LIST OF PLATES

Plate 1: Peafowl ............................................................................................................................ 18

Plate 4: Duiker .............................................................................................................................. 18
Plate 7: Puff adder ......................................................................................................................... 18
Plate 10: Warthog ......................................................................................................................... 18
Plate 2: Young crocodile ............................................................................................................... 18
Plate 5: Royal python .................................................................................................................... 18
Plate 8: African Rock Python ....................................................................................................... 18
Plate 11: African civet cat ............................................................................................................. 18
Plate 3: Adult crocodile ................................................................................................................ 18
Plate 6: Forest cobra...................................................................................................................... 18
Plate 9: Porcupine ......................................................................................................................... 18
Plate 12: White tailed mongoose .................................................................................................. 18
Plate 13: Lion ................................................................................................................................ 19
Plate 16: Pigeon ............................................................................................................................ 19
Plate 19: Emu ................................................................................................................................ 19
Plate 14: African Cukoo Hawk ..................................................................................................... 19
Plate 17: Crowned crane ............................................................................................................... 19
Plate 20: Dorcas gazelle ................................................................................................................ 19
Plate 15: Eagle .............................................................................................................................. 19
Plate 18: Leopard .......................................................................................................................... 19
Plate 21: Jackal ............................................................................................................................. 19
Plate 22: Spotted Hyena ................................................................................................................ 20
Plate 23: Stripped Hyena .............................................................................................................. 20
Plate 24: Ostrich ............................................................................................................................ 20
Plate 25: Mule ............................................................................................................................... 20
Plate 28: Chimpanzee ................................................................................................................... 20
Plate 26: Goose ............................................................................................................................. 20
Plate 29: Vulture ........................................................................................................................... 20
Plate 27: Patas monkey ................................................................................................................. 20
Plate 30: Parrot .............................................................................................................................. 20

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Plate 31: Baboon ........................................................................................................................... 21
Plate 32: Marble stork ................................................................................................................... 21
Plate 33: Proposed Elephant space ............................................................................................... 21
Plate 34: The course master addressing the students .................................................................... 21
Plate 35: Students leaving the zoo ................................................................................................ 21
Plate 36 Sign board of UNILORIN zoo ........................................................................................ 21

vi
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Chat showing the distribution of animal classes in the zoo .......................................... 16
Figure 2: IUCN status of animals in the zoo................................................................................. 16

vii
 ABBREVIATION AND ACRONYMS

EN - Endangered

IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature

LC – Least Concerned

UNILORIN – University of Ilorin

VU - Vulnerable

viii
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Meaning of Zoological garden

A zoological garden is a form of ex situ conservation which primarily involves keeping

wild animals alive outside their natural environment for aesthetic, educational, research and
recreational purposes (Varadharajan and Pythal, 1999 cf Adeniyi et al., 2015). According to
Wikipedia (2019), a zoo (also called an animal park or menagerie) is a facility in which
all animals are housed within enclosures, displayed to the public, and in which they may also
breed. Ex-situ conservation is the preservation of components of biological diversity outside
their natural habitats. It is the process of protecting an endangered species of plant or animal by
removing part of the population from a threatened habitat and placing it in a new location, which
may be a wild area or within the care of humans.

1.2 Benefits of Zoos

There are 39 animal species currently listed by the IUCN as Extinct in the Wild. These
are species that would have vanished totally were it not for captive populations around the world,
many of which reside in zoos. This is the single most important role zoos can play. For species
whose survival in the wild looks in doubt, zoos often set up ‘insurance’ populations. These are
captive groups of animals that could in a worst case scenario assist in reintroduction to the wild,
should the original population go extinct. The Amur leopard, for example: There are perhaps 35-
65 left in the wild, a species teetering right on the brink. But fortunately there is a long running
breeding program with over 200 surviving in captivity. The Zoological Society of London, as an
example, participates in over 160 of these programmes.

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 In 2014, 700 million people visited zoos worldwide, although not all zoos are good at
engagement. Indeed not all zoos are good full stop. But, surely that number of visits had to create
some sort of connection with the natural world that might not have occurred otherwise.

What we learn about wild animals in captivity can help us manage and conserve them in
the wild. From animal behaviour, to reproductive rates to dietary requirements. It’s difficult to
engage people with conservation efforts taking place half a world away. But by enabling people
to experience wildlife first hand, and using that as a vessel in which to tell a story, we can hope
for increase participation in international conservation efforts.

In the last 20 years, an estimated 168 amphibian species have gone extinct. In addition to
habitat loss, chytrid fungus has emerged as a deadly threat to worldwide amphibian populations.
Responding to threats such as this, especially in small or medium sized vertebrates is surely one
of the greatest uses of zoos around the world. In fact, many zoos have set up specialist amphibian
centers and are pioneering treatment and breeding programmes.

1.3 UNILORIN Zoological Garden

UNILORIN main campus is located in Ilorin South LGA of Kwara State. Ilorin lie within
a region described as tropical climate and are characterized by double rainfall maxima and has
tropical wet and dry climate (Olanrewaju, 2009). It has an annual rainfall range of 1000 mm to
1500 mm and a temperature range of C and C during the wet season and a temperature
range of C and C. Relative humidity at Ilorin in the wet season is between 75 to 80%
while in the dry season it is about 65% (Olanrewaju, 2009).

UNILORIN zoo was established in 1985 to complement the University’s biological

sciences departments in teaching and research. The zoo which is located at the main gate of the
University on latitude 8 28’ 51’’ and longitude 4 38’ 17’’ and has a children playground and
picnic grounds. A major attraction to the zoo is the 150meters long and 45meters high suspended
canopy walkway which has continued to draw visitors to the zoo. The fact that most of the forest
vegetation has been left undisturbed and the presence of a stream which flows through the zoo
creates a serene and near natural environment which makes the zoo unique. (Adefalu et al.,
2015).

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 ANIMALS IN THE ZOO

2.1 Peafowl

Scientific name Pavo cristatus (Plate 1)

Brief description The male (peacock) has colourful feather while the female (peahen)
has small feather. It has blue and green plumage. It has heavy white
facial patches, the head bears a fan-shaped crest made of a bunch of
divergent brush-like feathers tipped with blue
Unique features 1. It spreads its feather for mating
2. Peahens select the most elegant among peacock to mate with
Economic value A peacock costs N60, 000 - N80, 000. The price of a single feather
is about $3 at the international market.

2.2 Nile Crocodile

Scientific name Crocodylus niloticus (Plate 2 & 3)

Brief description The mouths of Nile crocodile are filled with a total of about 64-68
sharply pointed cone-shaped teeth. Nile crocodiles have a dark
bronze colouration above with faded spots and stripes variably
appearing across the back and a dingy off-yellow on the belly.
Unique features 1. Sex of young ones is determined by environmental temperature;
temperature below 31.7 or above 34.5 gives rise to female
while temperature between 31.7 - 34.5 gives rise to male
Economic value An adult crocodile costs about N90, 000. The skins are used to
make belts, bags, shoes etc and are sold at high prices.

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2.3 Duiker

Scientific name Cephalophus natalensis (plate 4)

Brief description Duiker have low body, the male have vertical horns. It has a tail of
about 11cm long and a shoulder height of 38-48cm. The face is
slightly darker than the body, the chin is white and the small ears
are bordered with black
Unique features 1. Males have horns while females do not
2. It is a very shy animal
Economic value

2.4 Royal Python

Scientific name Python regius (plate 5)

Brief description The build is stocky with a relatively small head. It has smooth scale
with anal spurs on either side of the vent. Colour is typically black
or dark brown with light brown or gold sides and dorsal blotches
Unique features It kills by suffocating its prey
Economic value Costs about N3, 000 in local markets. An ounce of the venom costs
about $450 (equivalent to N162, 000 at $1 = N360).

2.5 Forest Cobra

Scientific name Naja melanoleuca (plate 6)

Brief description The head of this snake is large, broad, flattened and is slightly
distinct from the neck. It is a slightly depressed, tapered and
moderately thick bodied snake with a slender tail that is medium in
length. The body is compressed dorsoventrally (where the dorsal
upper scales and the ventral lower scales meet at either side of the
body) and sub-cylindrical posteriorly (the tail end of the body)
Unique features 1. The venom of this cobra is a postsynaptic neurotoxin and bites
result in severe neurotoxicity
2. The largest of all true cobras
Economic value Costs about N4, 000 in local markets. An ounce of the venom costs
about $400 (equivalent to N180, 000 at $1 = N360).

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2.6 Puff Adder

Scientific name Bitis arietans (plate 7)

Brief description The head has a less than triangular shape with a blunt and rounded
snout. Still, the head is much wider than the neck. The rostral
scale is small. The circumorbital ring consists of 10–16 scales.
Across the top of the head, there are 7–11 interocular scales
Unique features 1. It’s a very venomous snake
2. Normally a sluggish species, it relies on camouflage for
protection
Economic value Costs about N5, 000 in local markets. An ounce of the venom costs
about $600 (equivalent to N216, 000 at $1 = N360).

2.7 African Rock Python

Scientific name Python sebae (plate 8)

Brief description The body is thick and covered with coloured blotches, often joining
up in a broad, irregular stripe. Body markings vary between brown,
olive, chestnut, and yellow, but fade to white on the underside. The
head is triangular and is marked on top with a dark brown “spear-
head” outlined in buffy yellow. Teeth are many, sharp, and
backwardly curved.
Unique features It kills its prey by constriction
Economic value Costs about N3, 000 in local markets. An ounce of the venom costs
about $300 (equivalent to N108, 000 at $1 = N360).

2.8 Porcupine

Scientific name Hystrix cristata (plate 9)

Brief description It has a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that protect against
predators.Very hairy and mostly dark in colour
Unique features 1. Its defense mechanisms are: quill erection, teeth clattering,
emitting of odour, and attack
2. A porcupine’s tail is also able to swing in the direction of the
predator. If contact is made, the quills could be impaled into the
predator causing injury or death
Economic value At the farm, a pair of porcupine goes for N180, 000, and a fully
grown porcupine costs as much as N20, 000, but this depends on
the breed and age1

1
Punchng.com/breeding-porcupines-cash/

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2.9 Warthog

Scientific name Phacochoerus africanus (plate 10)

Brief description A warthog is identifiable by the two pairs of tusks protruding from
the mouth and curving upwards. The head is large, with a mane
down the spine to the middle of the back. Sparse hair covers the
body. Its color is usually black or brown. Tails are long and end
with a tuft of hair
Unique features 1. They mark sleeping and feeding areas and waterholes
2. They use tusk marking for courtship, for antagonistic behaviors,
and to establish status
Economic value ----------------------------

2.10 African Civet Cat

Scientific name Civetticus civetta (plate 11)

Brief description It has a short broad neck, a pointed muzzle, small rounded ears,
small eyes and a long bushy tail. It has five digits per manus in
which the first toe is slightly set back from the others. It has long,
curved, semi-retractile claws.
Unique features 1. The African civet is primarily nocturnal and spends the day
sleeping in dense vegetation, but wakes up at sunset
2. Prey is primarily detected by smell and sound rather than by
sight
Economic value ----------------------------

2.11 White Tailed Mongoose

Scientific name Herpestes vitticollis(plate 12)

Brief description The head is long and narrow. Its large, rounded ears are set low on
the sides of the head. It has a yellow to tan coloration on its body,
with long black guard hairs, giving it an overall grizzled grey
appearance. Distal from the tibiofemoral joint, the legs are black.
The base of the large, bushy tail is brownish yellow, and on its
distal half, the tail is white
Unique features 1. It can fight and kill snakes
2. It has chemicals to neutralize the effect of snake bite
Economic value ----------------------------

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2.12 Lion

Scientific name Panthera leo (plate 13)

Brief description It is a muscular, deep-chested cat with a short, rounded head, a
reduced neck and round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail.
Male lions have a prominent mane. Its fur varies in colour from
light buff to silvery grey, yellowish red and dark brown
Unique features Lions spend much of their time resting; they are inactive for about
20 hours per day
Economic value A lion costs about N5,000,000 in Nigeria

2.13 Leopard

Scientific name Panthera pardus (plate 18)

Brief description It has a white-tipped, white underneath and with spots that form
incomplete bands toward the tails's end. Its fur is generally soft and
thick, notably softer on the belly than on the back.
Unique features Leopards communicate with each other in tall grass using white
spots on their ears and tails. They produce a number of
vocalisations, including growls, snarls, meows and purrs
Economic value ----------------------------

2.14 African Cuckoo Hawk

Scientific name Aviceda cuculoides (plate 14)

Brief description It has a curved beak, sharp and strong talon and usually brownish in
colour. It has feathers and small eyes
Unique features 1. Hawks are known to have sharp vision and to be able hunters
2. Hawks have four types of colour receptors in the eye. These give
hawks the ability to perceive not only the visible range but also the
ultraviolet part of the spectrum.
Economic value A big Hawk can cost about N30, 000. Trained Hawks are used
trained and used in the military. These kinds of Hawk are more
expensive.

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2.15 Eagle

Scientific name Haliaeetus leucocephalus (plate 15)

Brief description Eagles have very large, hooked beaks for ripping flesh from their
prey, strong, muscular legs, and powerful talons and a very heavy
beak.
Unique features 1. Can fly up the most among all birds
2. Can soar for days
3. They have life partners
4. It has a very good eyes sight
Economic value Eagle can cost about N25, 000. Like Hawks, trained Eagles are also
used in the military.

2.16 Pigeon

Scientific name Columbidae livia (plate 16)

Brief description They have short legs, short bills and small heads on large, compact
bodies. They have unique body feathers, with the shaft being
generally broad, strong, and flattened, tapering to a fine point,
abruptly.
Unique features 1. They have no gall bladders
2. Male pigeons are more opportunistic to mate with another female
Economic value An average sized parrot costs about N10, 000. Trained parrots
could cost more.

2.17 Crowned Crane

Scientific name Balearica pavonina (plate 17)

Brief description It is a long legged bird usually with dark feather. It has a crown-like
structure on its head, hence the name crowned crane
Unique features 1. It eats insects, reptiles, and small mammals
2. The only crane that can nest in trees
Economic value ----------------------------

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2.18 Marble Storck

Scientific name Ciconia ciconia (plate 32)

Brief description Tall bird with long thick bill. They have white belly and undertail.
They have wide wingspan and very long legs.
Unique features 1. They are colonial breeders
2. Pair stay together for life
Economic value ----------------------------

2.19 Emu

Scientific name Dromaius novaehollandiae (plate 19)

Brief description Emus are soft-feathered, brown, flightless birds with long necks and
legs. Its legs are devoid of feathers and underneath its feet are thick,
cushioned pads. The neck of the emu is pale blue and shows
through its sparse feathers. They have grey-brown plumage of
shaggy appearance
Unique features 1. The male's penis can become visible when he urinates and
defecates
2. The eyes of an emu are protected by nictitating membranes
3. Emus begin to settle down at sunset and sleep during the night.
They do not sleep continuously but rouse themselves several times
during the night.
3. It lays green egg
Economic value The egg is expensive. An adult Emu is sold for about N180, 000
while a week old Emu is sold for about N31, 000

2.20 Dorcas Gazelle

Scientific name Gazella dorcas (plate 20)

Brief description Dorcas gazelles have longer ears and more strongly curved horns,
which bow outwards then turn inwards and forwards at the tips.
They have very pale, fawn-colored coats. The white underside is
bordered with a brown stripe, above which is a sandy stripe. The
forehead and face are darker than the body.
Unique features 1. They can go their entire lives without drinking, as they can get
all of the moisture they need from the plants in their diets, though
they do drink when water is available
2. They tail-twitch and make bouncing leaps with their heads held
high (stotting), possibly to announce they have seen a predator
Economic value

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2.21 Jackal

Scientific name Canis aureus (plate 21)

Brief description They are small to medium-sized animals. They have long legs and
curved canine teeth. They have large feet and fused leg bones
Unique features 1. It defends its territory from other pairs by vigorously chasing
intruding rivals and marking landmarks around the territory with
their urine and feces
2. A very playful animal
Economic value -----------------------------

2.22 Hyena

Scientific name Crocuta crocuta (spotted hyena) (plate 22)

Hyaena hyaena (striped hyena) (plate 23)

Brief description Hyenas have relatively short torsos and are fairly massive and wolf-
like in build, but have lower hind quarters, high withers and their
backs slope noticeably downward toward their rumps. Hyenas
are digitigrade, with the fore and hind paws having four digits each
and sporting bulging pawpads. Spotted hyenas have spots on their
body while stripe hyenas gave strips
Unique features 1. Hyenas groom themselves often like felids and viverrids, and
their way of licking their genitals is very cat-like (sitting on the
lower back, legs spread with one leg pointing vertically upward)
2. Unlike other feliforms, they do not "wash" their faces
3. One of the animals with the strongest jaw
Economic value -----------------------------

2.23 Ostrich

Scientific name Struthio camelus (plate 24)

Brief description Ostrich is a soft-feathered, flightless bird with long necks and legs.
Its legs are devoid of feathers and underneath its feet are thick,
cushioned pads. The neck shows through its sparse feathers. They
have grey-brown plumage of shaggy appearance. It has
Unique features 1. ostrich is the largest living bird species
2. It’s a bird that cannot fly
3. The egg is very strong and expensive
Economic value A single egg of Ostrich costs about N70,000 while a matured
ostrich costs about N120, 000.

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2.24 Mule

Scientific name Equus asinus x Equus caballus (plate 25)

Brief description It has short thick head, long ears, thin limbs, small narrow hooves,
and short mane, the mule shares characteristics of a donkey. In
height and body, shape of neck and rump, uniformity of coat, and
teeth, it appears horse-like.
Unique features 1. It is sterile
2. A mule does not sound exactly like a donkey or a horse. Instead,
a mule makes a sound that is similar to a donkey's but also has the
whinnying characteristics of a horse
Economic value -------------------------

2.25 Goose

Scientific name Anserini anser (plate 26)

Brief description Geese have a horizontal posture, slim rear end and a fat rear and
forcing the bird into a more upright posture. It is usually whitish in
colour and has wide legs and long neck.
Unique features They are kept as pets due to the noise they would make at intruders

Economic value Goose are sold for about N2, 000 in Nigeria

2.26 Patas Monkey

Scientific name Chlorocebus sabaeus (plate 27)

Brief description Slender species coloured red-brown dorsally and grey-white
venterally. The face has a black brow ridge and nose as well as by
the white area around the mouth
Unique features 1. Do not sleep on the same tree for two consecutive nights in the
wild
2. Uses different call in response to different types of predators
Economic value Young patas monkey is sold for about N6, 000 – N7, 000

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2.27 Chimpanzee

Scientific name Pan troglodyte (plate 28)

Brief description They have long hands with opposable thumbs and big toes. They
have pinkish bare skin on the face, ears and palms. They have broad
chest and are usually with dark hairs on virtually all their body parts
Unique features 1. In the wild, male chimpanzee stays in a community for their
entire life
2. Uses sticks and rocks to probe for ants and crack nuts
Economic value --------------------------------

2.28 Baboon

Scientific name Papio Anubis (plate 31)

Brief description They have long, dog-like muzzles, heavy, powerful jaws with
sharp canine teeth, close-set eyes, thick fur except on their muzzles,
short tails, and rough spots on their protruding buttocks.
These calluses are nerveless, hairless pads of skin that provide for
the sitting comfort of the baboon.
Unique features 1. They can raid human dwellings
2, Large males Baboon will often confront intruders by flashing
their eyelids, showing their teeth by yawning, making gestures, and
chasing after the intruder/predator
Economic value ----------------------------------

2.29 Vulture

Scientific name Coragyps atratus (plate 29)

Brief description Vultures are birds with bald head devoid of normal feathers. They
have strong foot, curved beak and long neck
Unique features 1. Vultures use urine as a way to keep themselves cool by urinating
on themselves.
2. Vulture stomach acid is exceptionally corrosive allowing them to
safely digest putrid carcasses infected with botulinum toxin, hog
cholera bacteria, and anthrax bacteria that would be lethal to other
scavengers
Economic value -----------------------------------------

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2.30 Parrot

Scientific name Psittacus erithacus (plate 30)

Brief description Parrots have strong, curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and
clawed zygodactyl feet. The upper mandible is prominent, curves
downward, and comes to a point. It is not fused to the skull, which
allows it to move independently, and contributes to the tremendous
biting pressure the birds are able to exer
Unique features Parrots are among the most intelligent birds, and the ability of some
species to imitate human voices enhances their popularity as pets
Economic value Young parrots are sold for about N4, 500. Can be more for older
parrots.

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2.31 Animal Composition and Status in UNILORIN Zoological Garden

S/ Animal Scientific name Class IUCN conservation

N status
1 Peafowl Pavo cristatus Ave Least concerned
2 Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus Reptilia Least concerned
3 Duiker Cephalophus natalensis Mammalia Endangered
4 Royal python Python regius Reptilia Least concerned
5 Forest cobra Naja melanoleuca Reptilia Least concerned
6 Puff Adder Bitis arietans Reptilia Least concerned
7 African Rock Python Python sebae Reptilia Least concerned
8 Porcupine Hystrix cristata Mammalia Least concerned
9 Warthog Phacochoerus africanus Mammalia Least concerned
10 African Civet Cat Civetticus civetta Mammalia Least concerned
11 White TailedMongoose Herpestes vitticollis Mammalia Least concerned
12 Lion Panthera leo Mammalia Vulnerable
13 Leopard Panthera pardus Mammalia Vulnerable
14 African Cukoo Hawk Aviceda cuculoides Ave Least concerned
15 Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Ave Least concerned
16 Pigeon Columbidae livia Ave Least concerned
17 Crowned crane Balearica pavonina Ave Vulnerable
18 Marble storck Cicona cicona Ave Least concerned
19 Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae Ave Least concerned
20 Dorcas gazell Gazella dorcas Mammalia Vulnerable
21 Jackal Canis aureus Mammalia Least concerned
22 Hyena Crocuta crocuta (spotted) Mammalia Least concerned
Hyaena hyaena (stripped) Least concerned
23 Ostrich Struthio camelus Ave Least concerned
24 Mule Equus asinus Equus Mammalia Least concerned
caballus
25 Goose Anserini anser Ave Least concerned
26 Patas monkey Chlorocebus sabaeus Mammalia Least concerned
27 Chimpanzee Pan troglodyte Mammalia Endangered
28 Baboon Papio Anubis Mammalia Least concerned
29 Vulture Coragyps atratus Ave Least concerned
30 Parrot Psittacus erithacus Ave Endangered

15
 Reptilia
16.7%
Mammalia
46.6%
Ave
36.7%

Figure 1: Chat showing the distribution of animal classes in the zoo

25

23
F 20
r
e
15
q
u
e 10
n
c
y 5
4
3
0
Least concerned Vulnerable Endangered
IUCN status

Figure 2: IUCN status of animals in the zoo

16
Class composition of animal species in the zoo is presented in Figure 1. 14 animals which is

equivalent to 46.6% belonged to the class Mammalia, while 11 animals (36.7%) and 5 animals

(16.7%) belonged to the Aves and Reptilia classes respectively.

The reasons for the no establishment of other classes which showed no species representations,

may be attributed to the choice of the zoo management to keep certain animals and not keep

others owing to factors which include but not limited to the cost of procurement of animals

(which includes cost and means of transport from a far distance) and unavailability of the animal.

For instance, there is a proposed space for Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) in the zoo but

Elephant (which could have added to the population of animals in the class mammalia in the zoo)

is presently unavailability either for purchase or capture. In the same vein, the zoo lost its Giraffe

recently and the management have not been able to replace it. Giraffe could also have increased

the population of animals in class mammalian in the zoo.

IUCN status of animals encountered in the zoo is presented in Figure 2. 23 animals fall under

Least Concerned (LC), 4 animals were Vulnerable (VU) while 3 animals were Endangered (EN)

species.

Vulnerable animal species that were identified based on IUCN categories were Panthera leo,

Panthera pardus, Balearica pavonina and Gazella dorcas. Cephalophus natalensis, Pan

troglodyte and Psittacus erithacus are Endangered, and other animals were Least Concerned

(IUCN, 2017). The number of animals in endangered and vulnerable categories may be due to

uncontrolled poaching and deforestation which will displace the animals from their natural

habitat.

17
Plate 1: Peafowl Plate 5: Young crocodile Plate 9: Adult crocodile

Plate 2: Duiker Plate 6: Royal python Plate 10: Forest cobra

Plate 3: Puff adder Plate 7: African Rock Python Plate 11: Porcupine

Plate 4: Warthog Plate 8: African civet cat Plate 12: White tailed
mongoose

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Plate 13: Lion Plate 19: Eagle
Plate 16: African Cukoo Hawk

Plate 14: Pigeon Plate 20: Leopard

Plate 17: Crowned crane

Plate 15: Emu Plate 21: Jackal

Plate 18: Dorcas gazelle

19
Plate 22: Spotted Hyena Plate 23: Stripped Hyena Plate 24: Ostrich

Plate 25: Mule Plate 27: Goose Plate 29: Patas monkey

Plate 26: Chimpanzee Plate 28: Vulture Plate 30: Parrot

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 Plate 32: Marble stork
Plate 31: Baboon Plate 33: Proposed
Elephant space

Plate 34: The course master

addressing the students Plate 35: Students leaving the Plate 36 Sign board of
zoo UNILORIN zoo

21
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE ZOO

3.1 Conclusion

The visit to the zoological garden was crucial to expose students to an important aspect of
conservation in a bid to explain how much knowledge, finances, experience and human labour is
required to conserve the fast declining fauna species. It also helped students to learn how to
identify the animal in the zoological garden and have some knowledge about their physiological
behavior in captivity.

3.2 Recommendation

It is therefore recommended that zoo management should:

1. establish a centralized zoo inspectorate, comprised of individuals with expert knowledge of

zoo operation, veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and animal care.

2. establish education department, sufficiently resourced and staffed, to inspire and encourage
local and national awareness about the importance of conservation.

3. review the information provided about each animal as some of the information are incorrect.

4. ensure that all zoo employees with responsibility for animals have the necessary training,
qualifications and experience in animal care.

5. discourage direct contact between the public and animals in zoos and, in particular, prohibit
contact with animals known to harbour zoonosis.

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 REFERENCES

Adefalu, L.L., Omotesho, K.F. and Alao, O.S (2015): Determinants of Visitors’ Preference For
Wild Animal Spieces (A Case Study of Unilorin Zoo, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria).
Journal of Research In Forestry, Wildlife And Environmental 7(1): 124-135.

Adeniyi, I.C., Morenikeji, O.A. and Emikpe, B.O. (2015): The Prevalence of Gastro-intestinal
Parasites of Carnivores in University Zoological Gardens in South West Nigeria. Journal
of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health 7(4): 135-139.

IUCN (2017): The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2017-1. Available at

www.iucn,redlist.org/technical-documents/categories and-criteria.

Olanrewaju, R.M. (2009): Climate and the Growth Cycle of Yam Plant in the Guinea Savannah

Ecological Zone of Kwara State. Nigeria Journal of Meteorology and Climate Science
2(2): 43-48.

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