Accra, Sept. 30, GNA - Friends of the Zoo, a philanthropic association attached to the Accra Zoo on Friday organised a Wine and Cheese Night, at the Zoo aimed at raising 10,000 dollars towards the rehabilitation of Accra Zoo.

Dr Julie Hoag, Coordinator of the Zoo and a Veterinary Surgeon said so far 1,500 dollars have been collected form both local and international companies for the enlargement of some cages and the painting of the Zoo.

She said the actual target for organising the night was to raise five million cedis.

Assuring patrons that all the proceeds would be utilised at making the Zoo come up to modern standards that meet the expectation of the average tourist, she said it was important that Ghana protected the animals that were left as a way of promoting tourism.

"Most of the animals in this Zoo were either born in captivity or were rescued from injury and therefore the needs of all the animals needed to be met emotionally and physically," she said. Dr Hoag expressed the need for the zookeeper to make the living conditions of the animals pleasant and happy, by ensuring that the animals were entertained occasionally to make them relax. She said: "The Accra zoo is more than just a place to visit endangered animals. It is a place for public schools in Accra to learn wildlife appreciation and conservation concepts."

Dr Hoag urged people to donate generously towards the rehabilitation programme and that "the Accra Zoo is not just a government entity, but belongs to all the people of Ghana". "No zoo in the world can thrive without the kind support of the community."

Patrons of the Wine and Cheese Night were mainly made up of friends and family members of the diplomatic missions in Ghana. The Association has already provided a new playground for children who visit the zoo, as part of the rehabilitation programme.