Residents of Maiduguri are in a state of alarm over severe flooding at Maiduguri Zoo, also known as Sanda Kyarimi Park, located in the city center. Eyewitness reports indicate that the park, which is positioned near a waterway, has been overwhelmed by rising waters.
The flooding, which began around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, has affected key areas throughout the city, displacing numerous families, particularly near Lagos Street, Modugari, Gwange, and Monday Market.
Local resident Kabiri Sani expressed concern, stating the zoo was inundated early in the morning, raising fears of potential animal escapes. “As I passed through the zoo area on my way from Wulari to Polo, I was shocked by the water level, and it made me worry about the wild animals in that zoo,” he noted.
Another Gwange resident, Salamatu Mohammed, reported that she and her family had to evacuate their home due to the flooding. “I left as soon as I could gather my belongings. I cannot stay here knowing that animals could be roaming freely,” she shared.
Disturbingly, a circulating image has emerged showing an ostrich that escaped from the zoo, seen wandering the streets near Borno ICAN’s office.
Efforts to reach zoo authorities for comment on the situation have been unsuccessful. In addition to the zoo flooding, critical infrastructure across Maiduguri, including roads, government offices, markets, and the Shehu of Borno’s palace, is also reported to be submerged, exacerbating the crisis.
