“At Le Mbossé Park, we find different types of animals, but we favor exotic and ornamental animals. We have some wild animals like this monkey named Ndiaga, he’s my friend. The park is also home to warthogs, crocodiles, snakes, porcupines, ostriches, parrots and turtles,” explains Babacar Ndao, park manager. A park unique in its approach whose particularity lies in its orientation towards “decorative” animals.
Unlike the classic zoo, Le Mbossé highlights species capable of peacefully cohabiting with humans, particularly during educational visits. “The difference between our park and the others is that the others are classic zoos, while we are an exotic park. We highlight decorative animals, which are not dangerous. This is important because we welcome a lot of children for educational outings. For example, I had a hyena that screamed a lot and scared other animals, as well as visitors. So I had to part with it», confides Mr. Ndao.
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Rare species raised locally and imported. One of the great attractions of the park lies in its rare species, sometimes unknown to the general public. “We have rare animals that many visitors see for the first time in their lives, such as porcupines, crocodiles, macaws and even peacocks. Some are born at the park, while others come from Africa and various parts of the world, such as Asia. We raise them from a young age so that they become familiar with humans», specifies the manager. This animal wealth, however, represents a real financial challenge.
Specialized food and veterinary monitoring are expensive, requiring rigorous management. “Animal feed is expensive, as is veterinary care. To feed the macaws, a bag costs 35,000 CFA francs. We do our best, even if it is difficult. Our only satisfaction comes from the fact that they reproduce, which allows us to partly offset the expenses,” says Babacar Ndao.
Senegalese and foreigners alike find here a place conducive to wonder and discovery, in a peaceful and educational setting. A must-see for wildlife and nature lovers.
Par Moustapha Cissé (Dakar, correspondence)
01/12/2025 at 2:43 p.m.
