Guyanese and visitors to Georgetown are expected to experience a transformed Zoo and Botanical Gardens within approximately three years, as the government advances a major redevelopment programme designed to create a modern nature, wildlife, education, and recreation destination in the heart of the capital.

The redevelopment, being undertaken through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), is already underway, with construction focused on site preparation, demolition of obsolete structures, foundations, internal roads, drainage and other supporting infrastructure.

Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission, Robert Persaud, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the project is being advanced to deliver a facility that preserves the Gardens’ character while introducing experiences designed for future generations.

“The vision is for the gardens to continue to be a place of connection, with new ways to experience nature in Georgetown.”

Central to the transformation is converting the existing zoo into a Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring larger, more natural habitats, improved animal care facilities, and spaces that give animals more opportunities to express natural behaviours.

The redevelopment will also introduce a new entrance along Homestretch Avenue, a Discovery Centre featuring an aquarium, themed gardens, improved waterways and walkways over the ponds.

A SkyTrail through the treetops will connect five observation towers, while other planned attractions include a Roraima inspired waterfall, canoe facilities, internal shuttle services and a nature inspired children’s play area.

An amphitheatre is also taking shape along Homestretch Avenue near the corner opposite the National Cultural Centre, creating another venue for performances, storytelling, exhibitions and community gatherings.

The plans retain the mature trees and familiar landmarks that have long formed part of the gardens’ identity, while introducing new infrastructure that will broaden how visitors interact with the space.

For families, the redevelopment is expected to offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and discovery, with themed gardens, wildlife encounters, bird watching, canoeing, shaded seating and accessible pathways.

The Discovery Centre will provide an important educational component, allowing students and visitors to learn about Guyana’s biodiversity through interactive experiences involving the aquarium, gardens and wildlife habitats.

The project is also expected to strengthen the Gardens’ role within Georgetown’s wider tourism offering, with opportunities being explored for local guides, entrepreneurs, businesses and community partners to participate in the visitor experience.

Animal welfare remains a key consideration throughout construction.

The animals currently remain on site under the daily supervision of the facility’s veterinarian and animal care personnel. Officials say retaining them at the Gardens avoids the risks associated with transportation and unfamiliar surroundings while construction continues around them.

As new habitats are completed and certified as safe, animals will gradually be moved into their permanent environments.

The redevelopment also provides scope for specialised conservation initiatives, including breeding and rehabilitation programmes for species such as macaws and sun parakeets. Where appropriate, release into the wild will be considered.

The facility is also expected to play a greater role in responding to wildlife that cannot safely return to nature. This includes animals surrendered by individuals who are no longer able to care for them or wildlife encountered as human interactions with animals increase.

Potential exchanges with other zoological institutions could eventually broaden the range of species available for educational purposes, subject to strict animal health, veterinary and welfare requirements.

The gardens will also continue to provide habitat for free living species within Georgetown. Areas will retain a more natural character, providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

The redevelopment programme is targeting the completion of foundations and internal roads, alongside the removal of most old enclosures, by the end of 2026.

CNQC is the main contractor, supported by SRKN in engineering advice and supervision. CNQC’s previous work on the Guyana China Friendship Park at Joe Vieira Park is also informing confidence in the contractor’s capacity to deliver the project.

Construction is being accelerated during the extended dry period, while the temporary closure of the facility allows work to proceed safely and limits public activity around construction zones and animals.

Engineering assessments are being undertaken to address soil conditions, drainage and the requirements of larger structures, while attention is also being given to the long term maintenance of the upgraded facility.

Staff training, recruitment planning, plant propagation and preparations for future partnerships with botanical gardens are also being undertaken ahead of the reopening.

“As we attempt something at this scale here for the first time, we are doing our best to minimise disturbance while taking the time to learn and adjust where needed,” he said.

With construction progressing and the foundation for the new experience taking shape, the historic gardens are being repositioned not simply as a restored facility, but as a modern national destination that brings nature closer to the people of Guyana.