An Nauman Zoo/Barka Zoo

I recently came across this zoo in Barka and thought I might like to organise a school trip as we're exploring animals in the first term. So I decided to visit beforehand and see what it was like and if it was suitable for the children.

Firstly my friend and I chose the wrong time of the year to visit. It was sweltering and I could only imagine what the animals might have been feeling too. I think we both paid 1 rial each and then entered the zoo.

Upon arrival it actually seemed okay, clean and spacious but then we visited the first room which showcased some varieties of fish, snakes and oddly enough kittens. I didn't feel comfortable with the kittens as they're not an animal you would normally see in a zoo. It would have been different had they had a small animals area where you could handle them. But they looked exhausted and as if hey had fleas.

Moving on we saw a few types of birds who were in a reasonable state. As we walked around the corner there were monkeys, pigeons, dogs, birds, lizards and more cats. I think the dogs sufferred the most as they looked as though they hadn't been cared for properly at all. I'm not an animal expert although I have cared for pets when I was younger and could easily identify sick or ill animals.

Also at the zoo we're lions and a tiger as well a donkeys, goats and camels. Again they looked a little malnourished and could have been seen to by a vet.

I've read from reviews how people have said it should be shut down and that you shouldn't visit it. However it is important for people to raise the awareness of the zoo and help the owner change and maintain more suitable provisions for the animals in his care. There is so much potential for Barka Zoo if only the owner invested more into it. Then I'm sure the animals would be better cared for and it would attract more people. 

I think first and foremost the owner must get the animals seen to by a fully qualified vet. Then he needs to ensure the animals are cared for my qualified staff or at least get training for the people who work there. He definitely needs to make the enclosures bigger with a stimulative environment for the animals.  It's a massive job but he really needs to start quickly if Barka Zoo is to have any healthy animals on show for children.

So unfortunately I won't be organising a trip with my class as I think it would be distressing for them. 

I hope you enjoyed reading my post.

Sara xx