The Mvog-Betsi Zoo, located in Yaounde, Cameroon, is a zoological and botanical park established in 1951 by a colonial administrator. Initially designed to conserve live wild animals, it underwent various phases of management before coming under the control of the Cameroonian administration in 1971. In 1997, the zoo was rehabilitated with the help of the British government and transformed into a zoological and botanical park, with missions of recreation, biological research and education for conservation. It collaborates with the NGO Ape Action Africa, which specializes in monitoring primates.
The park is home to a wide variety of animal species as of 2014, with 29 species in total, including primates, mammals, reptiles and birds. Among the primates are species such as the mandrill, baboon and De Brazza’s monkey. Mammals include lions, gazelles, and duikers, while reptiles such as crocodiles and turtles are also present.
The zoo’s botanical park has 36 plant species from 20 different families, including forest species such as Bubinga, Iroko, and Moabi, as well as fruit and ornamental trees, such as the mango and flamboyant.
The Mvog-Betsi Zoo is thus a place rich in biodiversity, offering an educational and recreational experience for its visitors.
