ADDIS ABABA – The expansion works with an outlay of nearly 164 million Birr at Peacock Park in Addis Ababa is said to have represented the five ecosystem of the country, Addis Zoo Park Center General Director Tsegaye Gebremariam told The Ethiopian Herald.
Awash park, Siemen Mountains, Danakil Depression, Omo Valley and Harenna Forest will be represented inside the park’s 36 hectare of land, he said.
The park’s area delineated to keep lions is being constructed with an outlay of 90 million Birr and the construction has reached 96 percent, he said, adding the rest ecosystem construction will start soon.
“The current cage in Anbesa Gibi Park can host only ten lions but now we will open the breeding of the lions as we have enough convenient area. Residents as well as other domestic and foreign visitors will have a unique recreational area when the project comes to completion.”
Eng. Kassahun Tilkisew who designed the expansion works said the park, the first of its kind in the city, will give the city additional touristic destination.
Wild animals which are endemic to Ethiopia like Walia Ibex and Red Fox as well as Wild Ass will join the park. The park will also host other animals including crocodile and hippo, he said.
A medical center will also be furnished inside the park, according to him. The expansion work funded by Addis Ababa City Administration has aimed at developing a center that contributes to education, ecotourism, entertainment, among others.
The entire project is due to be concluded in the next five or six years, it was learnt.
The Ethiopian Herald December 20/2019
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
