If the state bows to mounting public pressure to move the Emperor Valley Zoo from Port-of-Spain for the safety and well-being of its animals, a private company is offering up 40 acres of land in central Trinidad where a new zoo and conservation centre can be built.
The debate began on social media on Friday when the zoo announced that one of its newly acquired baby red kangaroos had died from stress and trauma caused by fireworks set off on Independence night.
There were calls for the importation of noise-less fireworks, a ban on regular fireworks and relocation of the zoo.
Among those weighing in on the issue was Sou Sou Lands chairman, Lenny Sankersingh, who said an offer of land was initially made in 2012 and still stands. The land was offered as a donation, so the state will only have to foot the bill for the necessary infrastructure.
“I would like to respectfully suggest that they could look into it further. We think it is an ideal site for that purpose and there could be several variations as to what can be proposed and what can be implemented but it should be looked at a distinct possibility, especially when we see what is happening at the Port-of-Spain site with the nuisance in terms of the loud music and the fireworks which will continue over the years I expect,” Sankersingh said.
“The death of one of the kangaroos is certainly a tragedy, I would suggest they look into it.”
The land is located in Chickland, Caparo, There is easy access to the land as the Chickland/Caparo Road borders the property.
Sankersingh said over the years he has noticed a marked reluctance to move the operations of the zoo.
“I know people are thinking Port-of-Spain is a centre. It is surrounded by urban areas like Diego Martin, Maraval, the Eastern Main Road communities and they will have easy access to a zoo,” he said.
If a decision to move is made in the future, the zoo’s current location can be kept open to accommodate smaller animals and those not affected by loud noises from music and fireworks, Sankersingh suggested.
“It could still be used for those kinds of animals that will not be disturbed by fireworks and loud noises—if you have any such animals. It could work with certain variations but they have outgrown that location, especially with the types of animals that they have been bringing recently.”
Neither Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat, nor curator of the zoo, Gupte Lutchmedial, could be reached for comment. However, president of the Trinidad Animal Protection Agency (TAPA) Rex Chookolingo said he believed the zoo should be closed completely and the animals sent to sanctuaries where they can live out their lives in their natural habitats.
Chookolingo said he understands that idea might not be easily accepted, so he suggested removing the zoo from the city.
“This latest incident, however, is not the first time that animals have suffered as a result of fireworks. Every year, be it Old Years Eve, Independence, or other celebrations, animals suffer tremendously from the explosive sounds and lights caused by fireworks. Research has shown that dogs, cats and other domestic animals, as well as wild animals, are often killed as a result of these pervasive displays of noise and lights,” he said.
He agreed that the Chickland site could be a viable option for moving the zoo.
“Think about if we have some kind of natural disaster and animals escape the zoo. They would be running straight onto the streets of Port-of-Spain and if that happens, police would have no choice but to kill them because it is their job to protect people.