Wildlife parks are mostly built for recreational and educational purposes, for which, in the long run, it brings money to those who established them. Many people, including me, would not have known what some animals look like in real life if it were not for the knowledge that people have to cage those animals at a place. On several occasions I have visited the zoo.
My university has a zoo, which is well equipped with different animals. While I was in school, I did my best to visit the zoo frequently so as to have a fresh memory of what the animals look like again. During my service year too, I visited the Ile Ife Wildlife Park. This pack is so big, and they don't allow people to work alone there; people go in groups and with an instructor. Going alone there is nearly impossible, especially for someone like me, because I may end up fainting as a result of fear because it is just a bush that is well parted according to what they have in mind.
The wild animals are not in any way being exploited. From the beginning they were meant for us; this is to say that we use them in ways that will be of benefit to us. Most of these animals are human friends, so if they are left in the bush, they may end up dying because hunters will kill them. But with the advent of these zoos, their safety is guaranteed. The last zoo I visited before now is called Jos Wildlife Park. I'm similar to what we have at Ile-Ife. There is this particular elephant there that is over 40 years old.
We were told that it has the tendency of living longer, but I bet you, if such an elephant is seen roaming around the bush, sorry is its name.Letting most of these animals in the wild will be so disastrous because, take for instance the lion, there will be areas where humans can't access because of fear of lions. In fact, we will always be mourning because the lion can't stay without eating flesh. My mother's grandfather was named "Egwuagu," which is translated to me in English as "Not Afraid of Lion."
My mom told us that where he built his house was a no-go area because it was a thick forest where lions lived. Now, his father went in there and cleared the bush; after a while, people began settling there till date.Most of these animals would be celebrating the way they are being cared for; they don't bother about what to eat or how to get it. What they just see on a daily basis is the food. With this form of treatment there is this joy they will have. Also, when they are sick, they get the required treatment, but if they are left in the wild, that same illness may kill them.
Putting animals in cages is a good thing because first it is for the better well-being of the animals, then for human entertainment, and finally for learning. To date my kids tell me about the animals they saw at the wildlife park. The only challenge I see with that particular park is inadequate management. The place is not maintained properly, and that is not a good thing to hear. Most of the government properties are not properly managed. They are one good source the government can generate resources from, and this will, in the long run, create more employment opportunities in the long run.
Thank you for reading; do invite me to the Wildlife Park.