Nigeria has a lot of fun places you can visit, from zoos to national parks, museums, and art galleries. All these places are lively, fun, and secure. You can take your Family, Clients, or Friends to chill out and have fun in any of these places.
One such place you can visit in Nigeria is the zoo. There are many zoos in Nigeria that are home to different types of animals. These zoos are home to animals you don’t get to see every day.
If you want to take a tour and are looking for the best possible zoos in Nigeria, this is the perfect article. We explored different states in the country while checking out the zoos. This saves you the time and stress of having to check each state. We bring you the 9 best zoos in Nigeria.
Let’s begin
9 of the Best Zoos in Nigeria and What to Know About Them
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There’s a lot of animal conservation in the world, but nothing beats being able to see these animals up close. Many national and regional zoos offer visitors the opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitats, which is ideal for locals and tourists alike.
Getting up close and personal with these animals is a rare treat, but some zoos are better than others. Keep reading to learn more about the best zoos in Nigeria and what to expect if you visit one.
1. The University Of Ilorin Zoo
This zoo is located in Ilorin, Kwara state, and was established in 1984. It is regarded as one of the best zoos in the country as it is home to many rare animals and birds. This zoo opens by 9 am and closes by 6 pm daily.
This zoo is home to various animals such as the Chimpanzee, the old and historical Tortoise, the Ostrich, different types of birds, Crocodiles, and many more. There is also a park and a playground for your kids to have fun. It also has a nice garden where you can relax and enjoy the bliss of nature.
The entrance fee for this zoo is #500 per head. It is a place where you will have a lot of fun.
2. Audu Bako Zoo
This is another zoo that is bound to give you a beautiful experience. The Audu Bako Zoo is located in Kano, Nigeria, and was established in 1971 by a military administrator named Audu Bako. This zoo was named after him. This zoo has over 50 species of animals, and it opens by 9 am and closes by 6 pm daily.
You will see a lot of exotic animals in this zoo, such as Lions, Elephants, Hyenas, Hippopotami, Giraffes, Ostriches, and a lot more. There are very few zoos that can compete with this zoo when it comes to the species of animals they have.
To add the icing on the cake, they also have a very good playground where your little kids can have fun and socialize while you tour the zoo. This zoo is one of a kind.
You do not have to break your pocket to tour around this zoo as the entrance fee is less than #1,000 per head. It’s a quality zoo that will give you fun memories.
3. University of Ibadan, Zoo
This is another zoo that attracts tourists and travelers from far and wide. People from different parts of the country and beyond always like to tour this zoo whenever they are within the vicinity. The zoo was established in 1948 and is located within the university premises in Ibadan, Oyo state. It opens by 9 am daily and closes by 5.30 pm.
There are a lot of good things about this zoo. From the entrance, you will enjoy the beautiful art and magnificent sculpture of different types of animals.
You will also see beautiful animals such as Lions, Donkeys, Camels, Raccoons, Giraffes, different types of birds, and a host of other animals.
You can also drive around the school and enjoy the serenity of the environment. The entrance fee for this zoo is #700 per adult and #300 per kid.
4. Abuja Children Park and Zoo
This is one of the fun places your kids will most definitely like to visit. This zoo is popularly called the national children’s park and zoo, located in the central city of Abuja. If you are in Abuja with your kids, it is a fun place you should visit with them.
This zoo was established in 2001 and has been highly functional since then. It opens by 9 am daily and closes by 8.59 pm.
There are a lot of fun things about this zoo. You will see animals such as monkeys, hyenas, tortoises, ostriches, and much more. There is also a playground with many swings and equipment for your kids to have fun.
You will also enjoy the magnificent view of Zuma rock from the park. The entrance fee is also relatively affordable, costing less than #1,500 per head.
5. Jos Museum and Zoo
The Jos museum and zoo are a perfect combination of wildlife and art. This zoo is located in the city of Jos, Plateau state, and was established in 1945. Many people regard it as one of the best zoos in Nigeria. It has an opening time of 9 am and closes by 6 pm daily.
There are a lot of fun things to do in this place. You can spend time with your family and friends while exploring this beautiful place’s sculptures, arts, and artifacts.
You can also enjoy seeing animals like the Chimpanzee, the Zebra, Ostriches, Donkeys, and many other animals. You should try visiting this zoo if you are spending some time in the city of Jos. You can explore everywhere in this zoo and museum with an entrance fee that is less than #1,500 per head
6. Ogba Zoo and Nature Park
Ogba Zoo and Nature Park is a popular zoo in Benin. Different tourist comes from far and wide to this zoo, looking to explore the adventures of the park to the fullest. This zoo is a state-owned zoo that was established in 1971 in the forest reserve of Ogba district. This zoo closes by 6 pm daily.
There are a lot of animals you can see in this zoo as it boasts over 60 different species of animals. You’ll never have a dull moment in this zoo. One visit to this zoo and you will realize why this zoo is regarded as one of the best zoos in Nigeria.
There are different animals, such as Ostriches, Lions, Camels, Chimpanzees, and others. You can also ride on their Donkey for fun with the direction or approval of the park officials.
There are also different sculptures which would amuse you. You can explore this zoo for as low as #1,500.
7. Omu Resort and Zoo
This is one of the best privately-owned zoos in Nigeria. The Omu resort and Zoo give you comfort with luxury and adventure. It is the perfect location for your events and family hangout. This resort is located at 1 Asiwaju, Bola Tinubu way, Ibeju, Lekki. It combines a zoo, an amusement park, and a water park.
There are a lot of animals you will see in this resort. You will see animals like Lions, Chimpanzees, Zebras, Foxes, Alligators, and a lot more.
Your kids can also enjoy their amusement park as it has a lot of equipment to make every moment memorable. The water park is also the perfect romantic location for your partner. – Omu resort and Zoo gives you a beautiful experience.
8. OOPL Wildlife Park
This is one of the most exotic wildlife in the city of Abeokuta. It is located at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta. This privately-owned wildlife opens by 9 am daily and closes by 6 pm. This wildlife boasts over 60 local and exotic animals.
There are a lot of things you will enjoy when you visit this place. You get to enjoy the beautiful views of the peacocks and Ostriches. You will also see various animals such as the Tortoise, Lion, and much more. You can also ride Horses and Donkeys. There is also an event center for your events.
The entrance fee into this wildlife park is also relatively cheap as you can gain an entrance for as low as #1,500. It is the best wildlife park in Abeokuta.
9. Imo State Zoological Garden
The IMO state zoological garden is one of the best zoological gardens in the southeast. It is located at Nekede old road, IMO State, and it opens at 9 am and closes by 6 pm daily. This garden is a perfect blend of fun, nature, and exploration.
There are a lot of cool animals you will get to see in this garden, such as Lions, Hyenas, Foxes, Ostriches, Crocodiles, and a lot more. Many beautiful birds will make you appreciate nature.
You can also ride on their Horses and Donkeys while your kids play at the playground. This garden is the perfect relaxation spot for your family and friends.
The entrance fee into this garden is cheap. All you need to pay is #1,000 as an adult and #500 per kid.
Which is the Biggest Zoo in Nigeria?
The biggest zoo in Nigeria is in Lagos. This is the Lekki conservation center. It was founded in 1990 and covered over 70 hectares of land.
Which Zoos Have Tigers in Nigeria?
While there are many animals in different zoos in Nigeria, there isn’t any zoo with a tiger in Nigeria. Tigers are rare in Africa as there haven’t been any sightings of them in the wildlife of Africa.
Is Ibadan Zoo Still Functioning?
Ibadan zoo still functions every day from 9 am in the morning to 6 pm in the evening.
Conclusion
There are a lot of big and beautiful zoos in Nigeria where you can have fun and enjoy nature. These zoos are in different parts of the country.
If you are lucky enough to be within the states of any of the zoos listed above, do well to explore the zoos and have a fun time with nature.