FONZ was formally established in December 1993 following several years of effort by individuals
concerned with the deteriorated state of the Accra Zoo. At present there are two zoos in Ghana (Kumasi and Accra),
which are managed by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission. Over the past two decades national difficulties have
hampered effective management of these zoos.
The problems experienced by the Ghanaian zoos are not unique. In countries around the world including developed ones,
the competing demands on government resources have led to low prioritization of zoo funding.
This trend continues despite the significant contributions that zoos make to human society.
What is FONZ ?
FONZ is a voluntary non-profit making organization with three main objectives:
To promote and support the development of zoological parks in Ghana for the purpose of education, recreation, conservation and scientific study.
To foster the use of national zoos by the general public and schools for educational purposes.
To inculcate in the youth better and more sustainable environmental practices through field visits to areas of environmental interest, lectures and film shows.
More recently, FONZ has extended its activities to fringe communities in the bid to halt the ongoing menace of habitat destruction.
In pursuing these objectives, FONZ places the emphasis on the continuing importance of zoos in our society, the decreased funding available to them and their underutilization as educational tools.
FONZ brings individuals and organizations interested in the long term development of Ghana's zoos into co-operation with
the authorities' responsible for their ongoing operation.
What Does FONZ do ?
FONZ provides the zoo management with finances and resources for specific zoological projects.
FONZ is not involved with the day-to-day management of the zoo but assists rather,
in raising funds and improving public awareness about the zoo.
How Does FONZ Operate ?
FONZ operates by recruiting members, both private and corporate.
Members' annual dues and donations constitute a fund from which the organization finances specific zoological projects.
The organization is run by a member elected board. Monthly board meetings are held and are opened to all members.
