Full List Of Zoos in Nigeria and Their Locations

The zoo which is the abbreviation of zoological gardens are locations where animals are kept in enclosed spaces to be displayed to the public. These animals may also be bred and some zoos serve as reserves and sanctuary facilities for endangered species.

Nigeria has over fifteen (15) zoos scattered across the country ranging from private zoos for institutions like schools or research centers and public zoos mainly for amusement and entertainment.

The popularity of zoos has been steadily rising with people visiting them as a source of fun or even as a place to have a casual date.

The variety of animals is usually of species we don’t see on a day-to-day basis, and the excitement allows everybody to have a good time.

Full List Of Zoos in Nigeria and Their Locations

• University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, Ibadan, Oyo State
• Audu Bako Zoo, Kano state
• University of Ilorin Zoo, University Road, Ilorin, Kwara State.
• Ogba Zoo and Natural Park, Benin City, Edo state
• National Children’s Park and Zoological Gardens, Abuja, FCT.
• Jos Wildlife Park, Jos, Plateau state.
• Omu resort, Lekki, Lagos state.
• Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) wildlife park, Abeokuta
• Owerri Zoo, Nekede Old road, Owerri, Imo state
• Qbrat Zoos and Gardens, Badagry, Lagos state
• Oloronbo Animal Park, Abeokuta
• Port Harcourt Zoo Park, Port Harcourt, Rivers state
• Origin Garden Animal Park, Ikorodu, Lagos
• Federal university of agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Zoo Park, Abeokuta
• Enugu Zoo wonderland Akwuke Beach, Enugu
• Lobanta Animal Park, Ngodo
• Markudi Zoological Garden, Markurdi
• Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Wildlife Park, Akure
• Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Enugu
• Green fingers Wildlife Conservation, Lekki, Lagos
• Falcorp Mangrove Park, Warri
• Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo, Maiduguri
• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zoo, Zaria
• Agodi Garden and Zoo, Ibadan, Oyo State
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Botanical Garden, Ile-Ife, Osun State
• Calabar Zoo, Calabar, Cross River State
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Zoo, Nsukka, Enugu

Brief Outline of Some The Major Zoos in Nigeria

The University of Ibadan zoological gardens, Ibadan, Oyo state

The university of Ibadan zoological gardens which were established in 1974 and are located within the university of Ibadan campus is regarded as one of the best zoos in Nigeria.

This is due to the recent upgrading of the zoo and the regular maintenance of the facilities as well as the animals housed there. The zoo has a land mass of ten (10) hectares and is divided into sections such as the reptile section, carnivore section etcetera.

The zoo is open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm every day of the week. The zoo also popularly called the Ibadan zoo is managed by the zoological faculty of the University of Ibadan.

Audu Bako Zoo, Kano state

The Audu Bako zoo noted as one of the oldest zoos in Nigeria was established in 1971 and is located in Kano state. Apart from being one of the oldest zoos in the country, the Audu Bako zoo is also notably one of the biggest with a land mass of over forty-six (46) hectares and housing more than one hundred and fifty (150) species of animals within the establishment.

The animals range from elephants, giraffes, lions, hippopotamus, camels, snakes, ostrich, crocodiles, various exotic birds, and many more intriguing animals. The zoo is open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm every day of the week and is under the management of the Kano state zoological and wildlife management (KAZOWMA).  

The University of Ilorin Zoo, Ilorin, Kwara State

Established in 1984 the university of Ilorin zoo is one of the well-known zoos in Nigeria. Located within the university of Ilorin premises, the zoo is under the management of the institution’s zoological faculty and houses one of the best collections of exotic animals such as eagles, leopards, giraffes, civet cats, and many others.

Other noteworthy animals include the ostrich, chimpanzees, donkey, camel, mongoose etcetera. The zoo is open to the public.

Ogba Zoo and Natural Park, Benin City, Edo state

Ogba zoo which was established in 1915 as a forest reserve before being converted into a zoo is the oldest zoo in Nigeria. Located in the state capital of Edo state, Benin, the zoo has a land mass of 20 hectares and houses a large variety of animals.

The Ogba zoo is renowned as a top spot for recreation for the family and everybody and is open to the general public for a small fee.

National Children’s Park and Zoological Gardens Abuja, Abuja

Established in 2001 and located in the Asokoro county of the federal capital territory of Nigeria (FCT), Abuja, the National children’s park and zoological gardens is a family-focused entertainment center.

The zoo is a part of the park which has a lake and many facilities to visit making it a fun adventure to visit with family and friends or even for a casual hangout when in the nation’s capital. The zoo is open to the public every day from 9 am to 6 pm for a small fee. Check out other Tourist Attraction Centers in Abuja here.

Jos wildlife park and museum, Jos, plateau state;

The Jos wildlife park and museum which was established in 1945 is one of the oldest zoos and museums in Nigeria and also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jos and Nigeria.

The park has a zoo that houses many exotic animals such as elephants and alligators, an animal museum where animal artifacts and historical items are preserved and displayed, a play area for kids, and a history museum. The zoo is open to the general public.

Omu Resort, Lekki, Lagos State

The Omu resort which comprises a zoo and two parks (an amusement park and a water park) is located at Ibeju Lekki, Lekki, Lagos state. The Omu resort zoo has many intriguing animals such as lions, apes, crocodiles, and many more.

Although the zoo is not the only facility at the Omu resort, it still gathers a lot of attention and attracts visitors from all over which has made it one of the top tourist attractions in Nigeria.

Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park, Abeokuta

The OOPL Wildlife Park located in Abeokuta is a part of the Olusegun Obasanjo library facility and is regarded as a center for research and many educational purposes.

The wildlife park houses many exotic animals such as lions, hyenas, crocodiles, pythons etcetera. The wildlife park is open to the general public every day from 9 am to 6 pm.

Owerri Zoo, Nekede Old Road, Owerri, Imo State

The Owerri zoo which was established in 1976 is located in the state capital of Imo state, Owerri, and has a land mass of twenty (20) hectares. It is one of the major zoos in the south-eastern part of Nigeria housing many exotic animals.

It was built to facilitate tourism in that part of the country. The Owerri zoo also comprises a tropical rainforest and serves as a conservation center for endangered animals and plants. The zoo is open to the general public from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 6 pm on weekends.

Qbrat Zoos and Gardens, Badagry, Lagos state

Established in 2012 and located in the Badagry area of Lagos state, the Qbrat zoo and garden is one of the privately owned and managed zoos in Nigeria.

The zoo is recognized as a facility for research, education, and recreation. The zoo houses many exotic animals and is open to the general public.

Conclusion

There are many zoos in Nigeria both public and private with at least one in every geo-political zone. Although some of the zoos are in bad condition with little to no animals due to poor maintenance, little funding, and many other issues.

Some zoos in Nigeria are still worth checking out and some have become well-known tourist attractions for Nigerians and foreign visitors to visit and have a good time.

Read Also: Top 10 Best Zoos in The World