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I was there a couple years back(2008).
this is a good story:
<span style="font-weight: bold">Hope Zoo Makes Progress ... But $473m Needed To Complete It</span>
Published: Sunday | February 12, 20122 Comments
Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor
Architect extraordinaire Evon Williams is used to designing exquisite homes, but of late, this member of the Hope Zoo Kingston Preservation Foundation is getting a lot of pleasure in his new challenge of creating the structures that will comprise the eventually refurbished national treasure - Hope Zoo.
Just over three months ago, Guardsman Group Chairman Kenny Benjamin told this reporter that in his role as head of the foundation, he would ensure that during this year there would be something new to see at the zoo every month. And there is.
By midday last Sunday, the parking lot had begun to fill up with patrons who came to laze about, study, feed the budgies or just enjoy the beautiful 60-acre property.
Ursa International, world-renowned creator of zoo designs and landscape specialists, conceptualised the original designs and Design Collaborative Architects and Town Planners have been working to bring them to life. The theme is unmistakably African-inspired and, when complete, will be a joy to behold.
But just what exactly is happening at the zoo?
Williams showed Outlook both a high-definition video presentation and drawings of the proposed facility, and they are impressive. But Williams says, the foundation is badly in need of funding to realise its goal. Each building is set to cost between $15 million and $30 million to construct, and some animals cost up to $1 million or more per year to feed.
Already Flow, Scotiabank, Red Stripe, Blue Power, Wisynco, LIME, and The Gleaner Company have either pledged support or are in the process of assisting the effort, but there is still a far way to go. Nature's Paradise has assisted with landscaping and also donated more than 800 royal palms that already grace the grounds. When corporate Jamaica comes on-board, the companies will be adequately acknowledged with plaques strategically placed at the zoo.
Fencing done
Williams and Operations Manager Rovein Richards have been hard at work. Landscaping is far advanced, royal palms are shooting majestically towards the sky and walkways have either been paved or will soon be. The perimeter has been fenced to keep human intruders and dogs from neighbouring communities at bay.
"There was a lot of debris, shrubbery and woodland to be cleared. A lot of this had collected over the years following hurricanes or neglect," Williams said.
Cages repaired
Richards added that many cages that had fallen into disrepair have also been uncovered beneath the rubble and these have been spruced up with fresh coats of paint, rebuilt and repaired and are awaiting their inhabitants. The walkways will be repaved and will be wheelchair-and baby-carriage friendly.
Richards is gung-ho about the task and he knows every blade of grass at the zoo.
But there is still hard work and many ambitious plans for a First-World-type zoo that will include a new administration block, reception area, offices, pet store, gift shop, restaurants, audio-visual room, classroom, a petting farm, monkey, giraffe, kangaroo, rhinocerous and water buffalo, zebra, and elephant habitats.
There will be a new attraction in the form of a lake close to the entrance of the facility, and at the centre will be the Lake Palace restaurant, surrounded by enough water for boating, and surrounded by seating and viewing pavilion and having a walkway to a safari. And when the zoo is fully operational, patrons can rent spaces for picnics, birthday parties and other events. A large section of the property has been reserved for a wedding chapel complete with gazebos for those who prefer outdoor ceremonies, a reception area and more.
"The aim is to have something for everyone, as well as a place where the entire family can come to enjoy wholesome fun," Williams said.
Foundation Chairman Kenny Benjamin told Outlook that plans are now far advanced to bring two camels, three lions, three zebras and two sets of monkeys to the zoo.
"I would like them in place before we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Independence. Jamaica needs a place where families can come and bond and enjoy nature. We do not have enough green spaces in the city," he said.
There are already several budgies, macaws and other exotic birds at the zoo and a donation of six donkeys was recently made. The latter will form part of a domestic animal exhibit of goats, rabbits and more to teach children how to take care of and appreciate them.
[email protected]
this is a good story:
<span style="font-weight: bold">Hope Zoo Makes Progress ... But $473m Needed To Complete It</span>
Published: Sunday | February 12, 20122 Comments
Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor
Architect extraordinaire Evon Williams is used to designing exquisite homes, but of late, this member of the Hope Zoo Kingston Preservation Foundation is getting a lot of pleasure in his new challenge of creating the structures that will comprise the eventually refurbished national treasure - Hope Zoo.
Just over three months ago, Guardsman Group Chairman Kenny Benjamin told this reporter that in his role as head of the foundation, he would ensure that during this year there would be something new to see at the zoo every month. And there is.
By midday last Sunday, the parking lot had begun to fill up with patrons who came to laze about, study, feed the budgies or just enjoy the beautiful 60-acre property.
Ursa International, world-renowned creator of zoo designs and landscape specialists, conceptualised the original designs and Design Collaborative Architects and Town Planners have been working to bring them to life. The theme is unmistakably African-inspired and, when complete, will be a joy to behold.
But just what exactly is happening at the zoo?
Williams showed Outlook both a high-definition video presentation and drawings of the proposed facility, and they are impressive. But Williams says, the foundation is badly in need of funding to realise its goal. Each building is set to cost between $15 million and $30 million to construct, and some animals cost up to $1 million or more per year to feed.
Already Flow, Scotiabank, Red Stripe, Blue Power, Wisynco, LIME, and The Gleaner Company have either pledged support or are in the process of assisting the effort, but there is still a far way to go. Nature's Paradise has assisted with landscaping and also donated more than 800 royal palms that already grace the grounds. When corporate Jamaica comes on-board, the companies will be adequately acknowledged with plaques strategically placed at the zoo.
Fencing done
Williams and Operations Manager Rovein Richards have been hard at work. Landscaping is far advanced, royal palms are shooting majestically towards the sky and walkways have either been paved or will soon be. The perimeter has been fenced to keep human intruders and dogs from neighbouring communities at bay.
"There was a lot of debris, shrubbery and woodland to be cleared. A lot of this had collected over the years following hurricanes or neglect," Williams said.
Cages repaired
Richards added that many cages that had fallen into disrepair have also been uncovered beneath the rubble and these have been spruced up with fresh coats of paint, rebuilt and repaired and are awaiting their inhabitants. The walkways will be repaved and will be wheelchair-and baby-carriage friendly.
Richards is gung-ho about the task and he knows every blade of grass at the zoo.
But there is still hard work and many ambitious plans for a First-World-type zoo that will include a new administration block, reception area, offices, pet store, gift shop, restaurants, audio-visual room, classroom, a petting farm, monkey, giraffe, kangaroo, rhinocerous and water buffalo, zebra, and elephant habitats.
There will be a new attraction in the form of a lake close to the entrance of the facility, and at the centre will be the Lake Palace restaurant, surrounded by enough water for boating, and surrounded by seating and viewing pavilion and having a walkway to a safari. And when the zoo is fully operational, patrons can rent spaces for picnics, birthday parties and other events. A large section of the property has been reserved for a wedding chapel complete with gazebos for those who prefer outdoor ceremonies, a reception area and more.
"The aim is to have something for everyone, as well as a place where the entire family can come to enjoy wholesome fun," Williams said.
Foundation Chairman Kenny Benjamin told Outlook that plans are now far advanced to bring two camels, three lions, three zebras and two sets of monkeys to the zoo.
"I would like them in place before we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Independence. Jamaica needs a place where families can come and bond and enjoy nature. We do not have enough green spaces in the city," he said.
There are already several budgies, macaws and other exotic birds at the zoo and a donation of six donkeys was recently made. The latter will form part of a domestic animal exhibit of goats, rabbits and more to teach children how to take care of and appreciate them.
[email protected]
Who remember the 'Hope Garden pose'? 
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