Assessment of the Management of Sanda Kyarimi Park, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstracts

 The aim of the study is to assess the management of Sanda Kyarimi Park, Maiduguri, Borno State. The 

objective of the study is to examine the welfare of the animals in captivity, identify the problems in managing 

visitors and animals and to investigate the staff welfare and their capabilities in managing the park. Data 

collection for the study were accomplished using questionnaire and on the spot assessment during repetitive 

visits. Three different categories of questionnaire were administered: to the management of the park; park 

wardens and zoo keepers, and park visitors. The park wardens and zoo keepers were sampled based on their 

hierarchy on the organizational chart. Visitors to the park were sampled in four days i.e. five (5) visitors per day

by probability as they obtain gate pass. Descriptive statistics using tables, frequencies and simple percentage 

(%) were employed in presenting the result. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyse the relationship 

between sexes of animals in captivity. The result shows that there are twenty (20) mammalian species, seven (7) 

avifauna and four (4) species of reptiles. There is significant difference between sexes of mammals and no 

significant difference between sexes of birds and reptiles (p˃0.05) The management policy formulation lies 

with the zoo management, but funding is by the state government Ministry of Environment. There are sixty (60) 

workers (40 males and 20 females) in the park. Overtime and hazard allowances are paid to the staff although 

they are not insured. About 60% of the visitors to the park are males and 40% females. Ninety percent (90%) of 

the visitors know why the park is established. All the workers indicated that they experience job satisfaction and 

their services have contributed to the successful management of the park. The animals in captivity of the park 

are properly managed as to feeding. Problems in managing the park are feeding of animals by visitors, resistance 

to pay gate fees, unruly behaviour of visitors and indiscriminate waste disposal. The park has a vehicle which is 

in good condition. Visitor’s guides are always present to direct the visitors but they lack practical uniforms. 

Animal housing such as pens, cages, paddocks and other enclosures are in good condition. Recommendations 

are made to improve on effective management for visitors’ relaxation and satisfaction whilst act of illegal behaviors in the Park she be controlled through prosecution.