A Study on Some Zoos in the Sudan and their Role in Wild Animals conservation with Emphasis on Kuku Zoo

Abstract

This study was undertaken to establish data on wild animals and aimed to keeping and breeding them in Zoological gardens in the Sudan and assesses their role in wild animal conservation and challenges facing the Zoos. The present study was conducted in the Sudan on five selected Zoos: Kuku, Alqurashi and Basigat zoos in Khartoum state as the main locality of the study with reference to Kuku zoo and the center for wild animal’s trade, Kassala Zoo is located near Dinder Biosphere reserve and Nyala Zoo located near Radom National Park.This study was conducted during (Oct.2018 – Aug.2019). This study adopted direct observation, direct contact and questionnaire survey methods. Results of study showed the diversity of wild animals keptin zoos including; (324) wild animals belonging to (33) species; (123) mammals; (125); Reptiles and (76) Birds, of these zoos; Kuku Zoo shows the highest diversity and abundance of wild animals. Commonproblems were; predators, competitors, difficulties. Foreign body, wounds, management problems and diseases; (Parasites, viral, Bacterial, and Fungal).The results of the questionnaire in kuku zoo showed that (87.5%) of respondents said most successful breeders are primates, (50.0%) said that the highest mortality which occurred in the Zoo was in avian species. Common diseases in kuku Zoo varies, the highest was digestive system diseases (43.8%). Diseases are the main cause of most mortality cases (50%) Disease frequency at all season in Kuku zoo(46.9%), most attractive feature in Kuku Zoo was wild animals (46.9%), most attractive animals for visitors in Kuku zoo was the Lions with percent (90.6%), The highest one was educational role (56.3%), that the highest recommendations to develop the Zoo is Retrieving Endangered Species (84.4%). Moreover the respondersof Kuku Zoo agree that the animals housing and display are suitable (3.69± 1.03),chi.² significant level (0.000), the feed quantity is adequate (3.97±0.93) Significant chi²level (0.010),the feeding frequency is enough (3.69± 1.12) Significant chi.² level (0.475), clean supply of water is available, (3.78± 1.29) Significant chi.² level (0.09), The interaction between the wild animal and visitor is safe (3.41± 1.58) Significant chi.² level (0.117), The wild animals were good breeders in Kuku zoo (3.66± 1.18) Significant chi.² level (0.626), The wild animals increasing (3.50± 1.22) Significant chi.² level (0.170), There is provision of opportunity to express most normal behaviors (3.84± 1.11) Significant chi.² level (0.040). However The responders in Kuku zoo strongly agree that the feed quality are good (4.09±0.93) Significant chi.² level (0.050), Kuku zoo play a good role in wild animal conservation (4.22± 0.83) Significant level (0.000), Quality of service the in zoo is good (4.16± 0.77) Significant level (0.380 ) and Neutral (2.50± 1.34) Significant chi.² level(0.020).