Tragedy Strikes Maiduguri Zoo As Floods Kill 80% of Animals, Others Escape

A devastating flood has ravaged the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo Park in Maiduguri, Borno State, resulting in the death of at least 80% of the animals.

The zoo’s General Manager, Ali Abatcha, confirmed the tragic loss, stating that many animals have escaped into the city capital.

The exact number of animals in the zoo before the flood remains unknown.

According to a report by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the flood has led to the escape of wild animals, including crocodiles and snakes, from their enclosures.

The flooding has affected over 40% of Maiduguri town, home to approximately 870,000 people, including the Muna and Jere IDP camps with a combined population of around 230,000.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing snakes, crocodiles, and possibly a lion roaming the streets.

The Federal Government has initiated evacuation efforts for affected residents, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is providing food, shelter, and medical assistance to victims.

The disaster began last weekend, intensifying on Monday, September 9, 2024, due to excess water from the Alau Dam.

A collapsed spillway caused a significant increase in water flow, exacerbating the flooding.

The Borno State Government has opened the Bakassi Camp to accommodate displaced individuals.

The situation remains dire, with many animals still unaccounted for and residents struggling to cope with the aftermath of the flood.