Flooding Devastates Maiduguri Zoo, Wildlife

Severe flooding in Maiduguri, Nigeria, has caused extensive damage, especially at the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo, where over 80% of the animals, including lions and ostriches, have perished. The floods, triggered by the overflowing Alau Dam, have also led to dangerous animals like crocodiles and snakes escaping into nearby communities, prompting authorities to warn residents to remain vigilant. Thousands of people have been displaced, with key facilities such as the post office and teaching hospital significantly affected. President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences and directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent assistance to those impacted. This disaster follows earlier floods that resulted in at least 49 deaths last month and over 600 fatalities in 2022. The Borno State government has issued a high alert and called for immediate evacuations from vulnerable areas.