DRC Begins Major Rebuild of Kinshasa Zoo

Construction is underway to transform the long-neglected Kinshasa Zoological Garden into a modern centre for wildlife conservation, scientific research and public recreation.

The rehabilitation project is being implemented through a partnership between the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation, known as ICCN, and Vantara, an Indian wildlife rescue and conservation organization.

Work started in mid-June and has initially focused on two new multi-storey buildings. One will house the zoo’s administrative services, while the other will become a veterinary hospital for treating and monitoring animals.

Congolese contractors are carrying out the construction with technical support from Indian engineers, according to reports from the site. Excavation and foundation work is currently in progress.

Architect Steve Nsasu, who is overseeing the construction, said the team will begin building new animal enclosures after completing the two initial buildings.

The full rehabilitation programme is expected to take approximately two years. 7sur7, Actualite.cd

Modern enclosures planned for Congolese wildlife

Project officials say the rebuilt zoo will eventually feature enclosures designed around international animal-welfare and conservation standards.

The animals are expected to live in larger, semi-open environments instead of the small and deteriorating cages that previously characterized parts of the facility.

Plans include bringing some of the DRC’s most recognizable species to the zoo, including bonobos, okapi, elephants and Congo peafowl.