Residents around Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri, Borno State, trying to escape flooding are now thrown into confusion as some animals in the zoo have started coming out.
An ostrich and a crocodile have already escaped as the flood rages on, raising fears that others such as elephants, lions, and snakes domiciled in the zoo may find their way out at any moment.
While one of the crocodiles that escaped was found dead after it was attacked by some unidentified person, the ostrich has been wandering.
Contacted, the Director, Forest and Wildlife, Ayuba Peter, who said the incident took them unawares, confirmed that the zoo manager had been told of the recent development.
Mr Peter said roads around the area had been blocked to stop human movement, while wildlife staff members were patrolling to pick any animal that escaped, particularly the carnivores.
Meanwhile, a reliable source in the zoo said that about 80 per cent of the animals in the zoo, particularly the carnivores who can’t escape due to their locked facility are dead, while others such as snakes and crocodiles have been washed away by the flood.
The raging flood from the collapsed Alau Dam has continued to submerged many areas in Maiduguri and environs.
A statement by the General Manager, Borno State Museum Park, Ali Abatcha, stated that the “flood disaster has disrupted and causes a damage to property and loss of lives of more than 80% of the animals.”
Warning residents that “some deadly animals such as snakes and crocodiles have been washed away into the communities, ‘’ Mr Abatcha called on the public to be aware and necessary precautions measures to avoid the animals.
The general manager of the zoo expressed his determination to ensure the safety and protection for the remaining living things within his jurisdiction.
In the same vein, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, in a statement on Tuesday, called for an immediate evacuation in affected areas, and urged residents in those areas to follow designated evacuation routes for their safety.
Mr Tar, in the statement titled, “Flooding alert for river bank residents,’’ said, “Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their property. The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms and the water is heading toward the river bank.’’
The state government also earlier announced a two-week postponement of the resumption of schools in the state to September 23, 2024, due to the ravaging flood and wild animals’ threat.
(NAN)