The University of Lagos (UNILAG), through its Department of Zoology, on Friday, October 23, 2026, marked Zoo Appreciation Day with a wildlife exhibition and conservation awareness programme highlighting the importance of biodiversity protection and showcasing the practical experience gained by students during their Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at the University’s Biological Garden.
Themed “The Wild Encounter,” the exhibition was held at the Faculty of Life Sciences Quadrangle, UNILAG, Akoka. It was organised in collaboration with the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative and Egbon Aburo Foundation Limited.
Promoting Education and Wildlife Conservation
Welcoming participants to the exhibition, the Head of the Department of Zoology, Dr Temitope Sogbanmu, said the event highlighted the practical experience gained by students during their SIWES placement.
She noted that the University’s mini-zoo provided opportunities to advance education, research, and conservation, emphasising that zoos serve purposes beyond entertainment by promoting learning and public enlightenment.
Delivering her remarks, the Director of Egbon Aburo Foundation Limited, Mrs Oluwafemi George, explained that the foundation had expanded its student-focused activities to include wildlife conservation through its collaboration with the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative.
Mrs George stressed the importance of protecting endangered species for future generations. She urged young people to champion conservation and take awareness messages to their communities, particularly riverine areas, to discourage the capture, killing, and consumption of wildlife.
She also expressed hope that the partnership would expand to include the establishment of a dedicated conservation centre at the University of Lagos.
Live Animal Showcase Highlights Wildlife Diversity
Speaking on the conservation work of the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, Mr Isaac Ituen Ime, who represented the organisation, explained that it rescues and rehabilitates wildlife and returns animals to their natural habitats where possible. He emphasised that the animals displayed at the exhibition were presented strictly for educational purposes.
The exhibition featured a variety of animal species, including hedgehogs, rabbits, pythons, a potto, tortoises, turtles, a pangolin, a genet, palm civets and an African civet. The display offered visitors an opportunity to learn about the animals’ characteristics, habitats, and conservation needs.
Among the animals presented were Amarachi, a baby putty-nosed monkey whose mother was reportedly killed by hunters, and a young nocturnal potto. Their stories illustrated some of the challenges associated with wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
Visitors also learnt about the threats facing sea turtles, particularly plastic pollution and rising beach temperatures. Mr Ime noted that Green Fingers supports the conservation of five sea turtle species in Nigeria through wildlife rescue, nest protection, beach clean-ups, and community awareness campaigns.
The display also featured a white-bellied pangolin, a species threatened by trafficking for traditional medicine and food. Visitors were asked not to photograph the animal as part of efforts to protect the species and reinforce the conservation objectives of the initiative.
The showcase concluded with the presentation of a python that the conservation team had cared for and worked with for more than five years. Mr Ime explained that pythons are non-venomous and noted that snakes generally avoid humans unless threatened or disturbed by encroachment into their habitats.
Reiterating the educational value of zoos, Mr Ime highlighted their roles in education, research, and conservation. He called on students and members of the public to protect biodiversity and respect wildlife habitats while expressing optimism about deeper collaboration in the future.
SIWES Strengthens Practical Learning
Beyond the animal displays, the event provided a practical conclusion to the SIWES programme, demonstrating how students could apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations in zoology and wildlife conservation.
Through their presentations and exposure to rescued animals, the students gained insights into animal behaviour, habitat protection, and the challenges involved in wildlife rescue and conservation.
The exhibition underscored the importance of SIWES in equipping students with practical skills, broadening their professional understanding and preparing them to contribute to wildlife research, environmental education, and biodiversity conservation.
The event also reflected UNILAG’s commitment to providing students with practical, industry-relevant learning experiences that complement classroom instruction, strengthen professional competence, and prepare them for the demands of the workplace.
Through initiatives such as SIWES, the University continues to promote experiential learning, research, and community engagement while equipping students to contribute to wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability, and national development.
Report: Lynda Onah
Photograph:Islamiat Akanni
