Addis Ababa and other cities and towns in Ethiopia, despite some level of urban transformation, still lack certain public venues facilities and services that in most other countries are taken for granted. Capital's Society this week roars, growls, hisses and purrs on a very embarrassing fact: Addis Ababa doesn't have a single zoo worth the name…

Give Leo his subjects

Ethiopia is a naturalist's paradise. Really, I mean we have so much of so many kinds of fauna, a lot found only here that, we can afford to supply every zoo in the world and still have plenty left over in the wild. This zoological wealth however, due to a host of human and natural factors (which we won't delve into now) is in danger of vanishing forever, even before our children get to see a live Ethiopian elephant in a city zoo.
It is indeed inexcusable that a capital city of a very populous and modestly significant nation has never considered establishing a zoo. Why, I hear even Asmara in Eritrea has one…!
The facility at Sidist kilo, which houses some senile males, gaunt she-lions and the odd cub, goes back a long way. It has served at least 45 years as the only place in Ethiopia at which live lions can be safely viewed (for that matter, any other animal).
Not that the lion has ever been ignored. In fact, besides being the defacto 'King of the Jungle, Leo’s hardly ever absent in one form or another as the national symbol of Ethiopia. We don't mind at all that Leo is given a whole 'Zoo' to himself. But, what is a king minus his subjects? Absolutely nothing and in fact, his lonliness quite diminishes the title 'King of the Jungle'.
For many countries, the main challenges (funding and practical logistics) in the establishment of a zoo is sourcing the exotic animals. So in this respect, a municipality in some mid-sized town, say in Egypt, would require considerable resources. This is due to the simple fact that Egypt, in comparison to Ethiopia, is virtually empty of wildlife.
In Ethiopia a potential investor aiming to establish a zoo, would have as a main challenge, obtaining land and building the holding cages and complementary facilities. The wildlife is readily available and of a diversity that very few nations (if any) can match.I hope I’ve woken up a few investors!
The sector is a potential goldmine, totally untapped and just waiting for investment. Our readership community has forwarded us opinions on the issue, some quite strong…

Doesn’t Addis Abeba deserve a proper zoo?

Our so called entrepreneurs are too busy building hotels, apartment blocks, and other examples of misdirected investment. Few are those who dare to think long term – of personal profit, and also, by establishing farsighted and culturally enriching ventures. A single zoo? Addis Ababa needs four or five at least.

Kebebew S. 31,
Nature lover

I say what we need is a broader approach to every aspect of our nation. This is to set up policies which are strategically slanted towards benefiting children.

With such a policy in every sphere of activity, only then can we get inspiration to open zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, museums and the many other things that make a capital city, also a city of culture.
Abiy Mulat 26,
Artist

I’m afraid that for a very long time to come, a proper city zoo is a ‘luxury’ Ethiopian investors will not dare risk money on. This means that the nearest my 5 year old will get to see an elephant will only be on National Lottery tickets.

Dina Halefom 29,
Designer