| |
|
|
| |
History of the Zoo |
|
| |
Charles Steiner remembers the founding and development of the
original Monrovia Zoo:
The Beginning
In 1962 I came to Liberia, West Africa, to work in the
Biology Department of the University of Liberia in Monrovia. Besides my
academic work, my love of the natural world encouraged people to bring
orphaned animals to me. I raised them and kept them in the grounds of
the University, where they generated great interest amongst the public.
In the early 1970's I moved to a house situated on the Old Road in
Monrovia, where I was able to keep animals in my own back yard. Interest
from the public continued with local and overseas visitors keen to learn
more about Liberian wildlife.
By 1977 I was married and when someone brought two orphan leopard cubs
to our doorstep, my wife Annie and I decided to turn our collection of
animals into a zoo and animal orphanage. Over the years we developed the
Zoo to provide not only an appropriate environment for the many animals
that came into our care, but also to offer an opportunity for the public
to view relatively unknown Liberian wildlife. We arranged the enclosure
in a way suitable for visitors, and we put the names of the animals on
the cages and fences. In February 1980 we were honored by a visit from
the late Liberian President, William R. Tolbert. (at left)
Development of the Zoo
In 1980 we moved our collection of animals to Lakpazee in the
Airfield Area, Sinkor, situated on the banks of the Mesurado River.
There on a larger site, we were able to develop the Zoo, building better
enclosures for the many species of bird, mammal and reptile with
assistance from local businesses, organizations, schools and
individuals. Later that year, the Monrovia Zoo and Animal Orphanage was
formally opened.
For local people, the Zoo and Animal Orphanage represented a
very special place. It was the only location in town where families
could come to enjoy themselves for a day out, as well as to learn about
Liberian wildlife and their natural heritage. Additionally the
children's playground was for many the first ever. Tourists were
surprised to see the variety of animals that live in the Liberian
rainforest. Many visitors were also interested in the rich variety of
flowers and plants. The animals were not afraid of the visitors and they
came close to them, which again was enjoyed and appreciated by the
visitors.
 The fear that many people have had of some animals could be
removed by these contacts.
Civil war
In July 1990 civil war broke out and devastated Liberia for
14 years. In the same year, everything in the Zoo and Animal Orphanage
was destroyed and all the animals were killed. It is estimated that
250,000 people were killed during the war. The threat of the warring
parties and the very bad economic situation led to a mass influx of
people to Monrovia. Most of the infrastructure (public transport,
schools, hospitals) was destroyed and the majority of children were not
able to attend school during this time. In addition the local economy
broke down. The youth of Monrovia remains the most affected by the long
lasting conflict and its impact. Unemployment is high amongst young
people. Almost all sports and leisure facilities were destroyed. The
lack of education, high rates of unemployment and inadequate health
services have impacted directly on social diseases, such as alcohol and
drug abuse, juvenile crime, violence and armed banditry, plus a general
sense of hopelessness.
Before the civil war, the Monrovia Zoo and Animal Orphanage
was one of the most important leisure facilities in Monrovia, popular
with young and old alike. Reconstruction has not been possible to date
due to the civil war and the very difficult post-war economic situation
in the destroyed Liberia.
Perspectives
In 2003, after 14 years of civil war, a peace agreement was
declared. In 2005, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first female president of
an African country ever, was democratically elected. There is hope for a
peaceful future. The reconstruction of the Zoo under the new name
"Monrovia Children's Zoo" - actively encourages this hope by giving
Monrovia's inhabitants new perspectives and by offering traumatized
children and young people a recreational community-based facility.
Source: Official web of
Monrovia
Children's Zoo (2009)
|
|
|
|
|
