Ibadan is arguably the largest city in Nigeria and it is home to some of the best tourist attractions in Nigeria including one of the best zoos in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan Zoological garden. It is also known as the UI Zoo or Ibadan Zoo whichever you wish to call it.
The Ibadan zoo is one of the most popularly visited zoos in Nigeria. Over the years the University of Ibadan Zoological garden has received a major facelift and upgrades which has made it a major tourist centre in Nigeria. It is an arm of the University of Ibadan under the Zoology Department. The zoo is host to a variety of wildlife and it is one of the biggest zoos in Nigeria spanning several acres of land and collections of several animals.
Ibadan Zoo
Ibadan is blessed with a lot of natural parks, reserves and tourist attractions and the Ibadan Zoo is a notable tourist attraction in Nigeria. The University of Ibadan zoo is located in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria in the heart of The University of Ibadan lies the University of Ibadan Zoological garden. It was founded in 1948 as a research and educational centre, however, it became a full-fledged zoo in 1974 with the introduction of other exotic and endangered animals. The Ibadan zoological garden serves as a research centre for educational purposes and also a conservation centre for endangered wildlife.
It has been at the forefront for the preservation and conservation of the wildlife in Nigeria. It is a well-maintained zoo with utmost security and safety of lives and properties.
Due to its popularity, The Ibadan Zoo experience hundred of thousand visits yearly and it has witnessed improved patronage over the years. The Ibadan zoo is divided into different sections which include the reptiles, primates, carnivore, herbivore, Avian and small animal section. One thing that you cant take away from the zoo is the level management that has been maintained at the facility. They have put in a lot into maintaining the facility. The facility is clean and well taken care of.
The UI Zoo has undergone a major facelift to meet with the ever-changing 21st century ICT standards. It is a well-secured place with twenty-four hours security, well-trained zookeepers and ample parking space for guest.
Opening time at Ibadan Zoo
The University of Ibadan opens 8 am to 6:30 pm daily Mondays to Sundays and on public holidays and the facility runs three hundred and sixty-five days a year.
Ibadan Zoo Gate fee
The University of Ibadan Zoological garden gate fees is as follows
Adults 500 Naira ($1.5) per individual
300 Naira ($0.85) for school students on an excursion
You pay 200 Naira ($0.5) extra to use a Small Phone Camera, iPads, Tabs etc
1,000 Naira ($2.85) additional if you are using a professional DSLR camera
1,000 Naira ($2.85) for tour guides per 50 people and below.
Things to do at the zoo
There are several activities you can do at the University of Ibadan Zoo:
- Organise a picnic
- See the live animals
- Interact with nature
- Learn more about the animals
- Take photos and videos
- Organise an Excursions
- Go on a Family hangout
- Enjoy the games at the children arena.
- Location of the University of Ibadan Zoo
The University of Ibadan Zoological Garden (Ibadan Zoo) is located at Appleton Road, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, South-west Nigeria.
How to get to the Ibadan Zoo
Firstly you need to get to the city of Ibadan, then locate Oduduwa way Ibadan. However, to make your journey smooth, you can either take a local cab or Bolt (formerly Taxify), you can get free or cheap rides using these code
List of Animals at the zoo
Ibadan zoo boasts one of the highest collections of wild animals and exotic birds. The zoo features animals like the reptiles, birds, mammals, amphibians etc. Here are then lists of animals at the University of Ibadan zoo.
- Lions
- Ostrich
- Hogs
- Alligators
- Giraffes
- Monkeys
- Tortoise
- Camel
- Hyenas
- Snakes
- Ducks
- Birds
- Goose
- Pig
- Budgerigar birds
- Parrots
- African Civet cat
- vulture
- Donkey
- Horses
- Crocodiles
- Monitor Lizard
- Python
- Cobra
- Peacock
- Monitor Lizard
- Black Mamba
- Tortoise
- Monkeys
- Chimpanzee
Things That are not allowed at Ibadan Zoo
- You are not allowed to feed the animals
- Do not throw objects at the animals
- You are not allowed to touch the glass where the reptiles are kept
- Do not scare, annoy or make the animals agitated.
Facilities at Ibadan Zoo
- Children playground
- Sitting area
- Restaurant and snack area
- Neat restrooms
Other tourist centres close to the zoo
- Mapo Hall
- Agodi Gardens
- University of Ibadan
- Captain Bowers Tower
- Trans Amusement park
- Cocoa House
- National Museum Ibadan
List of Other Zoos in Nigeria
- Audu Bako zoo. Kano.
- Enugu zoo. Enugu
- Jos wildlife park. Jos
- Port Harcourt zoo. Port Harcourt.
- Sanda Kyarimi zoo. Maiduguri.
- Omu Resort
- Origin Gardens
- FUNAAB Zoo –Abeokuta
- Abuja Children’s Park and Zoo – Abuja
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