The first attempt to establish a Zoo dates back to 1880, but the members of the Royal Agricultural Society were opposed to the idea. However in 1952, the Zoological Park was declared open. The Guyana Zoo is also located within the Botanical Gardens and exhibits a variety of the world’s most impressive species of indigenous flora and fauna from the large and virgin rainforests of Guyana.
Some exciting representatives of these groups include the following species: Mammals: jaguar, puma, tapir, giant otter, white faced saki monkey, capuchin monkey, tayra, a family of two-toed sloths and manatees. Birds: eagles and hawks (raptors), parrots, toucans and owls.
Reptiles: rattlesnakes, spectacles caiman, anacondas, mata mata turtle, and emerald tree boa. Some endangered species (animals with low population numbers in the wild) can also be found at the zoo. For example, harpy eagles, jaguars, a giant otter and West Indian manatees.
The Zoo is currently undergoing major renovation and refurbishing works under the ‘Three Parks Initiative” a project of the Ministry of Natural Resources & the Environment.
