Hope Zoo to Offer Smart Attractions for Kids

KINGSTON — Minister of Education, Hon. Andrew Holness, says that the redevelopment of the Hope Zoo, in Kingston, will get Government support to add educational value for children.

“You are not just going to get students interested in learning with just academics. You have to get them interested in other things, as well: Sports, arts, and the environments, which the zoo would represent. It sparks their interest, they have to read the signs and notices that are on the cages,” the Minister noted during a tour of the Zoo on Friday (September 30).

Highlighting the educational aspect of the zoo, Mr. Holness stated that there will be a steady flow of children, using the facilities, “and we will subsidize partially the entrance fees”.

“We see it as an investment in the future,” Mr. Holness told the audience, which included top business executives, as he encouraged public/private sector partnerships in developing educational facilities and public spaces.

The redevelopment of the Zoo is a $500 million project, spearheaded by private security tycoon, Kenny Benjamin. When completed, it will have six well equipped classrooms for children.

“It makes a good partnership, but every decision I make has to be taken (in the context of a limited budget). I always have to think of the value that the public will get (in return) for the expenditure,” Mr. Holness said.

“It also represents a means of presenting a lighter side of life to our population. Every city in the world, to be considered a city, apart from having police stations, hospitals and proper public transportation, urban areas must have a zoo and museums,” he added.

Recalling an expo, when children from his constituency went to the zoo and it sparked their interests, he said it triggered thoughts on how the Zoo could motivate the reading process.

“It was an amazing experience, they just did not want to leave,” the Minister explained.

By Garfield L. Angus