When you think about Lagos, your mind does not necessarily veer towards nature and wildlife, instead, you imagine modern structures, technology, and commerce, and you would be right.
Lagos has rightfully earned its reputation as a center of commerce and business opportunities. And it also caters to this stereotype with its futuristic forward aesthetics that don’t actually scream nature, but that’s not to say the state is completely devoid of nature and jungles that make up the ideal ecosystem for wild animals to thrive.
Since the majority of wildlife are dying out due to humans’ rapid expansion and destruction of their ecosystem, many wildlife have been placed in zoos and wildlife conservation for their benefit and for human safety too.
While Lagos have very little in the way of these conservation centers with more prominent ones situated in other states like the Yankari Games Reserve in Bauchi and the University of Ibadan Zoo in Oyo, the state does have a few mini-zoos and wildlife conservative centers for all you nature lovers that do not want to leave the borders to reconnect with nature.
4 Best Zoos In Lagos
1. Omu Resort
2. Lekki Conservative Center
3. Shodex Garden
4. Green Fingers Wildlife Conservative Center
Best Zoos In Lagos
Some of the more popularly known zoos in Lagos include:
1. Omu Resort
While technically a destination for fun and adventure, the Omu Resort is still the most popular and comprehensive spot for a zoo in Lagos. The resort has a fully functional zoo, making it one of the best places to visit in Lagos if you want the whole zoo-life experience.
The zoo section of the resort houses a variety of wildlife like Lions, Ostriches, Hyenas, Wild boars, zebras, and many more. The animals are kept in individual pens that are very spacious and clean, and look well-fed. Making it a relief that they are treated right.
The zookeepers have an in-depth knowledge of the different animals and are ready to educate you on the species and preferences of each animal. While you are not allowed to touch the animals, you are free to take pictures and spend hours viewing the animals as they go about their day.
The resort also has a lot of other activities, like go-karting, games, mini-golf, and archery, to mention a few. It makes the resort a wonderful place for a family fun day or group adventure, creating a blend of nature watch and modern adventure.
Location: 1 Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Way, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos
Price Range: 6000 – 20,000
Hours Open: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
2. Lekki Conservative Center
A breath of fresh air amidst the concrete jungle of Lagos. The Lekki Conservative Center is one of the must-visit sites in Lagos for nature and wildlife lovers.
Unlike the pens and spaces in a zoo, the conservation center is a sanctuary for Lagos wildlife species and a place to thrive in their natural habitats. The center is a unique space of biodiversity, rich in flora and fauna, tall trees, and swampy ponds.
Many animals call the conservation center home, with more popular ones being the monkeys, crocodiles, and many species of birds.
Guides in the conservation can teach you about the different animals and plants in the center if you prefer a bout of education while you watch. And you could also opt to climb the 401-meter-long canopy walk suspended over the swamp and tree canopies if you are courageous enough.
Location: Km 19 Lekki – Epe Expy, Lekki Peninsula II, Lekki 106104, Lagos
Price Range: 6000 (for all access)
Hours Open: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
3. Shodex Garden Ilupeju
Combining a lush garden setting with a mini-zoo, Shodex is a beautiful destination for family-friendly activities, looking for a nature park for children to relax and play.
The park allows visitors to stroll through a nice pathway lined with different types of flowers, trees, and animals inside their cages. Animals include Monkeys, parrots, tortoises, cute white rabbits, and even a fish pond.
The garden is pretty budget-friendly and also has a lot of games and play areas like trampolines, a swimming pool, and swings for children to have fun
Maybe just don’t expect to see more exotic wild animals like Lions and Tigers when you visit, and you will have a good time.
Location: 251/253 Ikorodu Rd, Ilupeju, Lagos 101233, Lagos
Price Range: 2000 – 2500
Hours Open: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
4. Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Center
Also known as the Green Fingers Wildlife Sanctuary, the conservative center is run by a non-governmental organisation, making it more of an intimate conservative center than an actual zoo. The Green Finger Wildlife Sanctuary is a center known for rescuing endangered species and wild animals from illegal markets.
The center prioritises taking care of these rescued animals and providing a shelter for them until they are well enough to be let out into the wild. Animals in the center include a diverse array of birds, baboons, monkeys, turtles, pangolins, ostriches, etc, but the number of animals varies on a day-to-day basis.
The center also shares personal stories about many of the animals through guided tours to explain the importance of protecting wildlife and the dangers of illegal wildlife hunting and markets, creating a center that boosts education and awareness of wildlife endangerment.
The atmosphere is very serene and clean, trying as much as possible to recreate the natural habitats of the animals to make them as comfortable as possible in the middle of the city.
Location: 10 Emmanuel Iroabuchi Street, Thera Annex Estate, Off Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.
Price Range: Donation-based
Hours Open: 9:00 am -5:30 pm
While no one can dispute the fact that Lagos has very little natural habitat left, except in its outskirts, the state does have a few pretty cool conservation centers as listed above, ideal for people who want to experience a bit of nature and quiet amid the urban chaos.
