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Addis Ababa Zoo
 
     
  Concept of new Addis Ababa Zoo  
  The New Zoo for Addis Ababa
Origins and Aims
          The development of a new zoological garden in Addis Ababa is a project that brings together a number of global aims: conservation, urban development and capacity building. This project was triggerd by the suboptimal conditions under which the lions live in the Lion Zoo in Addis Ababa. These animals descend from the lions that traditionally lived on the palace grounds in Addis Ababa because the lion is the national animal of Ethiopia. It is probable that these fifteen adult lions and three cubs are either a subspecies of their own or a subspecies that is extinct elsewhere (Berber Lions, Cape Lions). Due to their uniqueness and their cultural significance it is of highest priority to house these animals under appropriate conditions. Unfortunately, in 2006 several cubs had to be euthanized due to a shortage of space. This should be avoided under all circumstances in the future. A new comprehensive concept for the zoo in Addis Ababa is to be developed and the city partnership between Addis Ababa and Leipzig is an ideal platform for this project. The zoos of the two cities have been working together on veterinary issues since early 2007. On top of that the City of Addis Ababa has asked the City of Leipzig to support the development of the Addis Ababa Zoo. The project for the new zoo will not only house the lions in ideal conditions, but offers the possibility to showcase efforts to tackle global issues like conservation, urban development and capacity building.

Conservation
          A great number of international conventions and programs support the protection of the earth‘s biodiversity and the cultural heritage of mankind. In order to realize these goals both expertise and education are necessary. The aim of a modern zoo is to connect both these acitivities. Ethiopia has a rich and unique endemic fauna which is threatened by extinction in many cases. Because of their unique wildlife a number of game reserves are under protection, e.g. the Simien Mountains are inscribed in the UNESCO‘s World Heritage List. Despite various efforts against poaching and unplanned human settlements there remains a great need to protect Ethiopia‘s biodiversity. The zoo can serve as a source of information, explanation and raise awareness among the broader, interested public about the value of the local fauna and its protection. The zoo should not only focus on the lions with their zoological and cultural significance, but offer all regions of Ethiopia a chance to present their unique fauna and to sensitize the population to conservation issues. Moreover, the transfer of research and knowledge would be intensified through co-operation between Leipzig and Addis Ababa zoos and new cooperation with the Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and members of the World Zoos and Aquariums Association. The new zoo should serve as a conservation platform to foster the scientific basis and public awareness of Ethiopia‘s biodiversity.

Urban Development
          Megacities are already a reality in Asia and Latin America. African cities have rarely reached those dimensions, but will do so in future. Urban growths in Addis Ababa is rapid. Today the city has four million inhabitants, in the next decade it will reach six million. This makes Addis Ababa a megacity of tomorrow. The urban fabric is extremely dense and compact due to poverty and the lack of affordable public transport. Open spaces and more so green spaces hardly exist and can only be realized if there is a specific program for their use. The establishment of a zoological garden offers a unique opportunity to create a green space within the city which is protected from settlement and yet remains accessible to all. Such oasis in the dense urban fabric are urgently required and have high ecological and social value in view of ongoing urban growth.

Capacity Building
           The worldwide focus of development cooperation has shifted from large infrastructure projects to structural issues and capacity building. The zoo project in Addis Ababa connects various fields of development co-operation. It facilitates transfer of knowledge and capacities in various areas, e.g. zoology, conservation, veterinary medicine, education, marketing, project management, urban planning and architecture. All of these issues can be operationalized on the platform of the city partnership. Through this project capacities can be very concretely developed through on-the-job training and cooperation.


Status and Opportunities
The Lion Zoo in Addis Ababa

          The existing Lion Zoo in the north of Addis Ababa is home to fifteen adult lions and three lion cubs that are housed in eight cages. The lion enclosure conforms to minimum standards but does not comply with international recommendations for species-appropriate accommodation. The visitor experience is limited by the double grill, reflective railings and the fact that a special fee has to be paid for closer viewing. In addition, there is no room to extend the 1.5 hectare area which is located in a dense inner-city area.
          In the short term it would be possible to improve the lion enclosure by simple means such as increasing the cage area, using sand as a species-appropriate surface and new dark coloured railings to reduce reflection. In the long term however it is not possible to upgrade the existing premises to international standards.
           Despite its limitations the Lion Zoo draws about one million visitors per year and is an important institution in Addis Ababa. This demonstrates the potential that a zoo planned according to today‘s standards would have.


Ethiopian Landscapes and Endemic Species (Mixed-species exhibits)
Endemic species
          The new zoological gardens in Ethiopia‘s capital city should aim to sensitize citizens to the beauty of their homeland, its landscapes and its fauna. It should educate them about the value of the endemic species and the biological and ethical background of their conservation. Therefore only species that are or were found in Ethiopia should be selected for the zoo, especially those which are threatened by extinction. The housing of the "Abyssinian" lion plays a central role in this approach. Furthermore, the zoo should serve as a research centre and a link to the national parks (ex-situ and in-situ conservation). As part of an integral tourism strategy the zoo can be a departure point for trips to the national parks.
          The endemic species should be mixed according to their regional origin in Ethiopia in landscaped enclosures featuring the respective regional flora and topography. The premises should be designed according to the principle of ‚immersing exhibits‘. The animals appear in their natural environments while necessary barriers and technical facilities are hidden. The grounds should not be completely visible from one single point so that visitors can experience the landscape through several vistas.
Ethiopian Landscapes (the following landscapes have been suggested):
- Awash-Canyon and Savannah
- Simien-Mountains
- Danakil-Depression
- Ogaden-Desert
- Blue Nile-Riverbank
- Omo-Valley
          A total size of 25 ha for landscapes, aviary, closed enclosures, petting zoo, service areas, visitor centre and research centre is estimated. Further design features are based on typical elements of the Ethiopian landscape. Acacias and Junipers should be planted. Baobab (Adansonia digitata) and African Tulip (Spathodea campanulata) are suitable to provide shade and decoration. However, it is necessary to clarify whether the Baobab can grow at high altitudes. Borders and barriers can be made as moats, dry ditches or fencing hidden in thorn-bushes or stone walls. Shaded walkways and ‚hides‘ (observation huts) should be provided for the visitors. The entrance can be designed as a lion gate.

Aims
          The equally important tasks of the zoo are in accordance with the aims of the World Conservation Strategy of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums:
- promote environmental education, wildlife conservation and environmental research
- promote conservation in close cooperation with the national parks
- sensitize the public to the necessity of conservation and biodiversity
- participate in research and teaching
- design of the zoo as a site for leisure and entertainment


Awash Canyon and Savannah  
Species:
- Grevy‘s zebras (highly endangered species)
- Oryx beisa
- Swayne‘s hartebeest
- Greater and Lesser Kudu
- Common warthog
- Spotted hyena
- Marabou stork
- Kori bustard
- Cormorant
- Hornbill
- Leopard tortoise

Landscape:

- designed as a typical acacia-savannah with the Awash Canyon as a centre piece
- confluence of two rivers (origin of canyon) could serve as a natural barrier
- artificial waterfall could be created and the water could flow to the next themed world
- trees would have to be protected by electric devices
- separate, but visually integrated space for spotted hyenas
Facilities:
- three or four lockable shaded enclosures for the antelopes, likewise for the hyenas

Conservation:
- special efforts are to be made to preserve the Grevy‘s zebras (almost extinct in the wild)
- cooperation with the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) so that animals from European zoos (incl. Leipzig) could be made available for controlled release into the wild

Education:
- information on the ecological niche of certain species of savannah animals
- detailed information on the biology and conservation of Grevy‘s zebras

Research:
- survey on the distribution and numbers of Grevy‘s zebras in Awash National Park
- investigation of their migration, their nutritional basis with regard to competition for pastures with domesticated animals and control of their health status aimed at the improvement of in-situ protection.

Size: 4 ha
   
Blue Nile Riverbank  
Species:
- Hippopotamus
- ‚Abyssinian‘ lion
- Black-backed jackal
- Porcupine
- Nile crocodile
- Vultures

Landscape:
- landscape should be created as a lagoon with sandbanks for the hippos and crocodiles
- connected to a savannah landscape
- typical elements such as rock formations with trees, acacia and juniper bushes
- first of its kind in the world to group together both hippos and ‚Abyssinian‘ lions
- important to provide shelters as a retreat for the lions like rock formations which cannot be
accessed by the hippos
- bushes need electric devices for protection
Facilities:
- lockable shaded enclosures for the hippos
- at least five spacious, partly shaded cages for the lions
- heatable shelters where the crocodiles can be temporarily locked in

Conservation:
- program to manage the lions which are currently kept in the Lion Zoo in Addis Ababa
- genetic taxonomy is to be determined
- breeding program is to be established for their conservation

Information:
- history and biology of the biblical "Abyssinian" lion

Research:
- determination of subspecies through genetic investigation
- to be pursued in cooperation with the Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
- survey on the numbers of this lion phenotype in the wild in Ethiopia

Size: 1,5 ha
   
Simien Mountains  
Species:
- Nubian or Walia ibex (very rare)
- Mountain nyala
- Menelik's bushbuck
- Gelada baboon
- Mountain reedbuck
- Klippspringer
- Rock dassie
- Ethiopian wolf (highly endangered species)

Landscape:
- partly arranged as a mountainscape with a torrent, partly flat and grassy
- latter is for Gelada baboons (questionable whether moats can prevent their escape)
- facilities for breeding program of the Ethiopian wolf separate from the other animals and out of sight of visitors

Facilities:

- two or three lockable shaded enclosures for the antelopes and bucks
- cages for temporary accommodation of Gelada baboons to be integrated into the mountains
Conservation:
- in-situ project for the Ethiopian wolf for protection from diseases especially rabies and to fight the growing population of wild dogs
- ex-situ program: breeding station that serves as a gene pool
- survey on the numbers of walia ibex and mountain nyalas and bushbucks

Education:
- biology of the Ethiopian wolf
- awareness of the factors that are leading to its extinction
- social behaviour of the Gelada baboons

Research:
- program for anti-rabies inoculation with the help of baits
- analysis of conditions for release in the wild
- a fertilisation control program for wild dogs in the habitat of the Ethiopian wolf in cooperation with the Leibnitz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin

Size: 3 ha
   
Danakil Depression  
Species:
- Cheetah
- Patas monkey and baboons
- Waterbuck
- Roan Antelope
- Warthog
- Pangolins

Landscape:
- short savannah grass as main feature
- few scattered rocks and logs
- two or three large trees for shading protected with electronic devices
- grouping together of cheetahs with Patas monkeys, waterbucks, antelopes
- pangolin‘s sleeping dens visible for visitor
- temporary separate areas for male and female cheetahs in order to stimulate reproduction
- separate area for cheetah cubs
- retreats for monkeys, e.g. sufficient trees as the grouping of cheetahs with monkeys in one landscape bears a certain risk
Facilities:
- lockable, shaded enclosures for the antelopes
- lockable huts for the cheetahs
- cages for the monkeys

Conservation:
- survey on the numbers of cheetahs including their reproduction rates and living conditions
- ex-situ breeding program for cheetahs aimed at their release into the wild
- in-situ research program aimed at improvement of living conditions (number of and potential competitors for bait)

Education:
- biology of the cheetah

Research:
- formulation of a guideline for the release of cheetahs into the wild

Size: 1,5 ha, divisible
   
Ogaden Desert  
Species:
- Somali wild ass (highly endangered species)
- Hamadryas baboon
- Large Antelopes
- Soemmerring's gazelle

Landscape:
- main purpose is to house endangered wild ass
- shared ground with one baboon species and one antelope species

Facilities:
- two or three lockable shaded enclosures for wild ass and antelopes
- cage units for the Hamadryas baboons
Conservation:
- special efforts for the protection of the Somali wild ass
- cooperation with the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) for provision of wild ass from European zoos (or from Qatar) for their controlled release into the wild

Education:
- biology and protection of wild ass

Research:
- survey on the distribution and numbers of wild ass in Awash National Park
- investigation of their migration, their nutritional basis with regard to competition for pastures with domesticated animals
- control of health status

Size: 2 ha, divisible
   
Omo Valley  
Species:
- Giraffe
- Black rhinoceros
- Hunting dog
- African Buffalo (together with rhinoceros)
- Eland (together with giraffes)
- Tiang
- Grant‘s gazelle
- Thomson‘s gazelle
- Nile lechwe or White-eared kob
- Oribi
- Ostrich
- Secretary
- White stork, Cormorant, Pelican, Flamingo

Landscape:
- savannah landscape with lake to separate rhinoceros from giraffes
- features of South-Western Ethiopian landscape which is linked to the fauna of the East-African savannas
- enclosure for hunting dogs to be integrated
- breeding facilities for flamingos to be protected
Facilities:
- three to four lockable, shaded enclosures for antelopes
- one each for rhinoceros and giraffes
- cages for hunting dogs

Education:
- life and protection of hunting dogs
- significance of conservation of rhinoceros
- migration of storks

Research:
- phenotypic and genetic differentiation of the three subspecies of rhinoceros in Ethiopia

Size: 5 ha, divisible
   
Large mixed-species aviary  
Species:
- Various turtles
- Non-poisonous snakes
- Various saurians
- Egrets
- Small storks
- Raills
- Various ducks
- Weaver
- Taranta lovebird
- Bee-eaters
- Various kingfishers
- Aardvark
- Guenther‘s dikdik
- Beira antelope
- Rock dassie

Landscape:

- access on two levels
- features: waterfall, riverbank, lagoon, adobe wall, rock formation
- membrane roof: partly closed for shading, partly tightly meshed for air, partly air-conditioned
Conservation:
- ex situ: protection of beira antelope
- setting up of an orphanage
- ex situ: breeding of endemic Taranta lovebird and Rouget's raill

Education:
- biology of the Beira antelope, life of egrets and stork colonies

Research:
- survey on the numbers of the Beira antelope in Ethiopia in cooperation with Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, Qatar, and analysis of the high susceptibility for diseases of this species ex-situ

Size: 1 ha
   
Small closed enclosures  
Species:
- Vervet monkey
- Small predators sized from leopard to caracal
- Birds
- Reptiles, especially snakes and saurians
Landscapes:
- natural design, front with glass, other areas spanned with tight mesh
- huts as protection and lockable enclosures which are out of sight of visitors
- the small aviaries should be decentrally located within certain landscapes

Size: 0,5 ha
   
Petting Zoo  
- Stables for various sheep and goat races, partly accesible for visitors
- Donkey
- Dromedary
- Domesticated pigs
- additional: camel riding
Education:
- process of domestication
- significance of domesticated animals

Size: 1 ha
   
Visitor Centre Research Centre and Service Areas
- visitor centre with education centre for conservation (Ark) close to the entrance
- zoo school for children
- zoo shop approx. 250 sqm close to entrance / exit of circuit
- lodge accommodating high standard food and beverages with view of lions (Blue Nile)
- two or three food and beverages counters with shaded seating
- zone for resting
- zone for extension

Size: 5 ha
Research Centre:
- offices and laboratories for researchers
- small conference and meeting facilities
- exhibition and information area in connection with visitor centre

Size: 0,5 ha

Service Areas:
- fodder storage and fodder preparation
- animal hospital with mews for sick animals and separate quarantine
- administration building including changing rooms and sanitary spaces
- workshops

Planning
Location and Accessibility
        
The zoo should be an integral part of the urban system of Addis Ababa and accessible for every citizen. A major factor for this is connection to public transport and the accessibility on foot as the majority of inhabitants cannot afford public transport. A central location is therefore essential.

Size and Extension
         
The above mentioned program for the zoo requires an area of approximately 25 ha. Phasing and future extensions are to be kept in mind.

Traffic
          Two to three million visitors are expected per year. Areas for parking of private cars and especially for public transport like buses and minitaxis have to be provided. Connections to buslines are vital.

Ecology and Sustainability (Green Goal)
          The zoo should become a model of best-practice in sustainable, social and ecological development of the city (green goal). This requires a careful use of resources and organic integration into the city‘s labour, trade and tourism structure. Valuable public green spaces should be protected and / or even enlarged. The zoo should be organized according to the principle of recycling especially with regard to water and waste.

Territory
           The site should have a natural or artificial river and possibilities to dam the water. The territory should be mainly arid and a few hills are desirable to avoid the use of artificial rocks. Swampy areas are desirable for certain landscapes. It would be best to use existing trees. Emissions and Immissions: The issues of emission and immission are to be considered with regard to noise (traffic, airport, industry), air (smells), water (quality), soil (contamination) and traffic flow.

Water and Energy
          The new site of the zoo must provide sufficient amounts and quality of water throughout the year. Areas for water storage and treatment might be required. Reed filteration or the collection of rainwater in cisterns to be piped directly to the plants are low tech solutions which require large areas. However, these can be visually integrated. Energy has to be provided in sufficient quantities. Solar energy can be used to heat water and air or to generate electricity.

Waste Management
          The site should provide sufficient areas for recycling of waste. Biological waste can be converted into compost or biogas. The waste generated by visitors should be recycled.

Security
          
The zoo has to be properly secured to prevent animals from escaping as well as to prevent poaching and theft. A fence of a minimum height of three meters with barbed wire is required and can be visually integrated. The entrance zone especially can be protected by a large moat.

Circulation
           A hierarchy of pathways offers each visitor an individual way of experiencing the zoo: boulevards, short-cuts, loops and trails can be connected in various ways. Staff: About 200 staff (150 animal keepers including feeders) are required for the abovementioned program. Housing for staff should be provided on the premises.

Fodder
          The required amounts of fodder per year are as follows: 50 t meat, 500 t green fodder, 200 t hay incl. alfalfa, leaves,100 t vegetables, fish.


Location
Location one - Central Park
          The first possible location Central Park is near the city centre between the two main arteries Bole Road and Olympia. Here, one of the many North-South river valleys spreads out and it is one of the few green spaces in the city. Today it is used for ‚urban farming‘ and as a ‚Peacock Park‘. There is already an ‚illegal‘ settlement in the middle of this green space. Original foliage still exists. The topography is varied and ideal for the planning of a zoo. There are flat and hilly areas and a river valley that can be used as a border and a design feature. The location offers little possibility in terms of space for future extensions. Also, it lies hidden from the main roads and is not very visible.

Location two - Ring Road Park
          Location two Ring Road Park is near the airport and directly accessible from the Ring Road. The large open space has been defined as a green space in the Structure Plan. A new stadium is to be built near this location on the opposite side of the Ring Road. Currently there are few existing trees but there is a lot of available space for future extensions of the zoo. The noise pollution due to the proximity of the airport needs to be measured and the water supply needs to be analysed.


Project Timeline (updated February 2008)
1) Foundation Phase - completed
Aim:
to introduce and kick-start the project in Addis Ababa and Leipzig
September 2007:
Based on several visits to Addis Ababa since February 2007 and consultations with experts in zoology and urban planning, the City of Leipzig and the Leipzig Zoo have drafted a concept paper including proposals on zoology, conservation, education, research, urban planning, ecology, project management, funding and capacity building.
Output:
concept paper for new Addis Ababa Zoo
December 2007:
Zoo Committee will visit Leipzig City and Zoo in order to foster the partnership between the experts from the two cities and exchange
information and material for further planning of the project.

2) Fact-finding Phase - completed
Aim:
to clarify the basic planning data for the project and to prepare for first workshop
October - December 2007:
Addis Ababa Team:
- Identification of project partners and appointment of team members
- Audit and discussion of the concept paper with stakeholders
- Coordination of stakeholder‘s inputs (conservation, research, education, tourism, planning, etc.)
- Preparation of teambuilding workshop (dates, trips, data, venue, technical equipment, personnel, etc.)
Leipzig Team:
- Clarification of financial support of the workshop by German donors

- Appointment of zoological planning team
- Gathering of data for a qualified consideration of zoological planning criteria (selection and availability of species, survey of conservation strategies and programs, aims of educational programs)
- Appointment of spatial planning team
- Gathering of data for a qualified consideration of spatial planning criteria (infrastructure, traffic, water, energy, waste management and urban issues)
- Appointment of Zoo director and board
- Gathering of data for a qualified consideration of financial planning criteria
Output:
documentation of planning criteria for new Addis Ababa Zoo

3) Teambuilding Phase
Aim:
to introduce all team members, to exchange information, to foster vision and to define location of the project
Begin of 2008 (max. 3 days) in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Team:
- Organisation of teambuilding workshop (dates, trips, data, venue, technical equipment, personnel, etc.)
Leipzig Team:
- Preparation of introduction to best practice projects

- Introduction to best practice projects
- Discussion of all planning criteria and recommendation of location
- Formulation of vision
Output:
selection of location and formulation of vision for new Addis Ababa Zoo

4) Design Phase
Aim:
to formulate a pre-liminary design for the new Addis Ababa Zoo
Spring 2008 (7 days) in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Team:
- Exchange of information with stakeholders
- Coordination of approval for location by City Administration
- Definition of budget
- Preparation of design workshop
Leipzig Team:
- Preparation of design workshop
- Coordination of experts and consultants

- Requirements for landscapes and facilities according to species lists
- Focal points of research, conservation and education
- "Look-and-feel" and spatial arrangement
- Identification of conflicts and solutions for traffic issues, waste management, water, energy, emission, immission
- Business plan
- Financing, management, marketing, human resource development, fund raising, capacity building
Output:
documentation of Design workshop

5) Planning Phase
Aim:
to formulate an integral final plan for the new Addis Ababa Zoo
Summer 2008 in Leipzig
Addis Ababa Team:
- Feedback from and participation of all stakeholders
- Identification of conflicts and possible new solutions
- Approval of Local Development Plan and Strategic Action Plans by City Administration
Leipzig Team:
- Preparation of masterplan workshop and visits to best practice projects (zoos in Leipzig, Hamburg, Berlin, ...)
- Organisation of experts for feedback, discussions and consulting in detail planning

- Presentation and discussion of final concepts for conservation, education, research
- Feedback from and redesign with expert‘s input
- Strategic Action Plan
- Presentation and discussion of masterplan
- feedback from and redesign with expert‘s input
- Conversion of Masterplan into Local Development Plan
- Presentation and discussion of business concept, marketing concept, fund raising concept
- Feedback from and redesign with expert‘s input
- Strategic Action Plan
Output:
Masterplan, Business Plan and Strategic Action Plans

6) Implementation Phase 1
Aim:
to organize the legal and financial basis for implementation of plans for the new Addis Ababa Zoo
End of 2008
Addis Ababa Team:
- Implementation of Local Development Plan and Strategic Action Plans
- Integration of experts into local planning teams
Leipzig Team:
- Selection and placement of integrated experts
- Implementation of Strategic Action Plan for acquisition of animals as well as conservation and education programs
- Implementation of Local Development Plan
- Implementation of Strategic Action Plan for building process
Output:
groundbreaking ceremony for first African ‚Zoo of the Future‘ and start of building activities for phase one (lions)



Source: PDF file of official site of Leipzig and Addis Ababa City-partnership (2012)
 

 
   
WZD - Worldwide Zoo Database
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Zdroje a autoři: WZD, oficiální stránky ZOO, oficiální tiskové a jiné materiály ZOO (není-li uvedeno jinak); Datum poslední aktualizace: 24. 12. 2019
Sources and authors: WZD, official websites of ZOO, official printed and other matters of ZOO (if it is not stated otherwise); Date of last actualization:24. 12. 2019
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