The Kumasi Zoological Gardens has urged the public to respect Ghana’s wildlife closed season. This follows the rescue of a buffalo calf and a young waterbuck whose mothers were killed by illegal hunters.
Zoo officials say the incident clearly shows a growing disregard for conservation laws. These laws are meant to protect animals during their breeding period. Moreover, the rescued animals came from the Savannah and Bono East Regions and are now receiving intensive care at the zoo.
According to Dr. Meyir Ziekah, Manager of the Kumasi Zoo, caring for the animals has become costly because they need special feeding and medical attention.
“These are calves that were still being nursed by their mothers. Sadly, the mothers were killed by hunters,” Dr. Ziekah said. “Feeding them is not easy. We spend about GH¢800 a day on milk for the buffalo calf alone.”
The buffalo calf, named Larabanga, and the waterbuck now live in a protected enclosure. There, they are gradually adapting to care from zoo staff. Furthermore, Dr. Ziekah appealed to individuals and companies to support the zoo’s animal adoption and care programmes.
“We appeal to anyone touched by this story to adopt these animals. Any support will help,” he added.
In addition, the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission has declared the 2025 wildlife closed season from August 1 to December 1. The ban covers hunting, capturing, trading, or transporting wild animals across the country.
The season allows wildlife to reproduce and recover. However, conservationists say illegal hunting still occurs in some rural areas. They warn that this activity threatens biodiversity and pushes many species toward extinction.
Therefore, the Wildlife Division has called on traditional and local leaders to help enforce the ban. It also encourages communities to educate residents on the serious harm caused by illegal hunting.
