Guyana Zoo

Guyana Zoo and its collection

Guyana Zoo, opened in 1952, is a zoo in Georgetown, Guyana.

Proposals for a zoo were aired as early as 1880, but nothing opened until 1952, on ground that had served as botanical gardens since 1895. The Victoria Regia Lily, the national flower, grows in those gardens among palms and other tropical planting. Harpy eagles and manatees draw the most attention, and around 25 people were employed in 2005.

History

In 1877 the government voted for a botanical garden and brought in John Frederick Waby, who spent 35 years landscaping it, and the site served as botanical gardens from 1895. Talk of a zoo goes back to 1880, but it only opened in 1952.

What the venue says

• small petting area
• rustic aquarium building
• There are typically limited heavy dining options directly inside the zoo grounds, but visitors can find local vendors nearby or bring their own bottled water to stay hydrated in Georgetown's warm climate.
• Standard street-side or designated lot parking is available nearby
• though accessibility features for wheelchairs and strollers can be limited due to the older, rustic layout of the facility