Kumasi Zoo is located in the heart of the city, in the Ashanti Region. It occupies an area of 1.5 square kilometres between the Keyetia Bus Station, the old race track (now the Race Corse Market) and the National Culture Centre.
The zoo was founded in 1951, officially opened in 1957 by the Ashanteman Council to conserve nature and protect the wild animals found in Ghana. There are a total of 40 separate species of animals, totalling over 130 animals. A notable feature is the thousands of bats that rest in the trees at the zoo.
Managed by the Wildlife Division of the Republic Forest Service, the institution is currently the only operating zoo in West Africa Ghana. Some of the animals were relocated here after the Accra Zoo was closed down to make way for the construction of the presidential palace.
Apart from the economic benefits, the zoo aims to introduce Ashanti culture to people from different walks of life and also offers a peaceful place of relaxation and recreation for local and foreign tourists. With up to 100,000 visitors a year, the zoological garden is popular because of its convenient location - it is close to Kumasi's cultural centre, vibrant market and is an island of greenery in the heart of the city.
Unfortunately, the project is underfunded, so some of the enclosures and pavilions are empty and some of the animals are fed by private bosses to reduce the cost of feed and care for the Wildlife Service. For example, the eagle is cared for by Barclays Bank, four local villages provide all the camels donated by Libya, but all the animals still look healthy and well-fed.
Some operators offer short walking tours of the city from the Cultural Centre to the zoo and to the Central Market.
