Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan.

As kids, we loved to go out to open places like parks, zoos and the like, maybe because they were so big it was like the fun never stopped. Zoos were particularly fun as there were animals you could play with, touch their fur, stand far way from (lions and missileladen baboons), among other things. In Ibadan, the place of choice for this is usually the University of Ibadan Zoo.

The campus itself is a landmark of its own, but the zoo is one of the cherries on top (if the university were a three-tire cake with fondant icing). The zoological garden itself has such beautiful scenery you may initially forget you’re in it to see animals. The zoo has a snake pavilion which showcases snakes of different kinds (all through glass screens, don’t be afraid), as well as notes detailing their characteristics.

There are cages for the baboons and monkeys, a crocodile pond, a giraffe house, ostriches, a ‘villa’ for birds, and last but in no means the least, the lions’ den. Some sections also are for animals which co-habit the area. Of note is the river which crosses the zoo and effectively divides it in two, this has two bridges at different points for crossing, and gives a good view of the whole zoo.

As the zoo is in a campus, you can expect that it would be quiet, and it is, more of than not.

So if you are looking for a place to relax, this zoo is. Also, some of the old (dead) animals are embalmed and kept in a part of the zoo, these are available for viewing too, all you need to do is ask. There are stalls in front of the zoo which sell snacks and drinks, so you can get something to eat if you are hungry. During the week a lot of students from secondary and primary schools near and far come to the zoo on excursions, so if you want to avoid that, the evenings will be the best time to visit the zoo.

UI – as the university is fondly called – is probably the campus with the cheapest cabs, so get in one to get to the zoo. The car park is not large and causes some trouble especially on weekdays, so hailing taxis may be your best bet.

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