ABSTRACT
The dilapidation and degradation of the Audit Bako Zoo at Kano is irritating all concerned minds more especially animal lovers, and other patriotic citizens in the state. Established in 1971 and opened to public in 1972 by the then military administration of the late police commissioner Alhaji Audu Bako. Since that time it has been a major attraction for visitors more especially from neighboring villages and teenagers from within and outside Kano metropolitan. On festival days, Sallah days, Children and teenagers troop in mass from the villages around Kano, some inside buses, some truck-full. Just to visit the Zoo as part of Sallah festivities. But in recent years - 90's, the role played by this facility is on the decline due to the dilapidated condition of the structures, reduction in the collection of the animals, poor management and lack of funds. Such a facility designed and built in the early seventies needs revisiting after about three decades of usage, more especially if the rapid scientific, technological, sociological and urbanisation developments and transformations of the later part of this century are considered. What is obtained now on ground is out-dated. The Old practice of taming animals inside cages affects the physiological and psychological well being of the animals. It makes the animals to be exhibiting some odd behaviors and affects the health of the animals that can even lead to death. The aims of a modern zoo go beyond consuming animals to be caged in order to please viewers; but a center of study and dissemination of information about the animals, preservation and breeding, in order to produce for other zoos or for possible reintroduction into the wild; more especially the animals that are identified to be endangered species. This can only be achieved by imitating as close as possible the natural habitat of the animals so that to encourage them to exhibit their natural behaviour and breed freely. The challenges to an Architect in the design of a Zoo are many. Among such challenges is to provide a psychologically healthy environment, so that the animals will not be depressed or exhibiting abnormal behaviours. Attention must be given to the animals natural desires and feelings. The method feeding the animals should also be given proper treatment. All these can only be achieved by trying to imitate as close as possible the natural habitat of the animals. The design of the animal enclosures should be to discourage such old practices like peepshows or forcing the animals out of their sleeping quarters for the view of the public. Reconciliation between profit and the welfare of the animals is very important. While the welfare of the animals needs a lot of respect, the revenue generated by a zoo, which is very necessary for the up keep of the animals must not be ignored. Ways of generating revenue without degradation to the welfare of the animals should be favoured. The requirements of a modern zoo are many. The above mentioned and many others are studied and considered, while at the end a design proposal that integrates all is prepared.