By Catastrophic flooding in northern Nigeria has decimated a major zoo, killing more than 80% of its diverse animal population and washing dangerous predators into nearby communities, zoo officials reported Tuesday.
Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo in Borno state, home to an array of wildlife including lions, crocodiles, buffaloes, and ostriches, has been devastated by the floods. “Some deadly animals have been washed away into our communities, like crocodiles and snakes,” the zoo management said in a statement, urging local residents to take precautions.
The flooding began when the Alau Dam overflowed following heavy rains, uprooting thousands of people in the region. The disaster has affected other key facilities in Maiduguri, the state capital, including the post office and a teaching hospital, according to a statement from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s office.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the affected population, saying, “President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.” The statement also promised to address the humanitarian needs arising from the catastrophe.
The government has called for the evacuation of the worst-hit areas as the situation continues to unfold. This recent flood follows a pattern of severe weather events in the region, with floods in the northeast killing at least 49 people last month. In 2022, flooding claimed more than 600 lives across the country.
The disaster adds another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by Borno state, which is already grappling with a 15-year-long Boko Haram insurgency that has killed and displaced many of its residents. The combination of natural disasters and ongoing security issues presents a significant humanitarian challenge for both local and national authorities.
Environmental experts warn that such extreme weather events may become more frequent due to climate change, calling for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures. The loss of so many zoo animals also raises questions about wildlife conservation efforts in the face of increasing natural disasters.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, local officials are working to locate and secure the escaped animals to prevent potential conflicts with humans in nearby communities. The incident highlights the broader implications of natural disasters on both human populations and wildlife, underscoring the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies in vulnerable regions.
