Haven Zoological Park management has stated that the park requires urgent upgrades or will be closed permanently.
To raise funds for renovations, the management has established monthly markets.
Haven Zoological Park is a small, family-friendly zoo located at the southern end Windhoek. It houses a variety species of animals. Since its opening in 2007, this park has been a landmark for the capital.
The first market took place in February.
Phillip Loteryman, manager, says that the markets are doing well so far and have attracted new clients.
“As the zoo was closed for a few months due to Covid-19, we also fell into arrears with our City of Windhoek accounts, which is the rent, water and electricity. At the moment, the zoo doesn’t have electricity. We are, however, discussing a payment plan with the municipality to clear our arrears and save the zoo,” he says.
Loteryman states that most of the funds come to them through sponsorships and events they host.
Armand Bergh, another manager at the zoo says that they decided to upgrade the facility because most visitors don’t want to stay too long due to the poor state of it.
“Overall, the place does not look good, and if we upgrade and get more activities and more animals, we believe more people will come and want to stay longer. Our fence, playground and walls are not in the best state,” he says.
Bergh states that if they don’t make the necessary upgrades, they may have to close down their doors permanently.
“Upgrading is important so that customers can spend more time and be eager to come back. We expect to begin the upgrading process no later than January 2023. The work will include painting, upgrading our animal camps and playground, as well as a complete facelift. We want to acquire more animals. The zoo has ponies and donkeys since two months ago. Our animals mostly come from South Africa and Namibian farms,” he said.
Source: namibian
