Kumasi, Sept 3, GNA- The Forestry Commission (FC) has initiated a five-year recovery plan to revamp the Kumasi zoological gardens and make it more productive and attractive.

Mr Emmanuel D. Nimo, Senior Wildlife Officer in-charge of the Kumasi Zoo said the project would be tackled in three phases and financed by the government.

Mr Nimo was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Kumasi on Thursday.

He said the recovery plan would soon be launched.

Mr Nimo said the plan include fashioning out policy framework for the Kumasi Zoo, establishment of a zoo management board and defining the zoo development and management strategies.

He said species of animals for the zoo would also be improved. He said presently there are different monkeys, duiker, chimpanzees, birds, snakes, crocodiles, lions, water and bush bucks in the zoo.

The Senior Wildlife Officer said when the plan is launched, the board would come out with policies that would see the rehabilitation and replacement of the old and weak cages and introduction of animal species conducive to local environment making the zoo more attractive.

Mr Nimo said there was the need for the private sector to supplement government efforts at re-activating the zoo through financial and material assistance.