Alhaji Abubakar Atiku donates a 25-year-old crocodile to the University of Ilorin Zoological Garden, enhancing the zoo’s collection and community ties.

Philanthropist and traditional leader, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, has donated a 25-year-old crocodile to the University of Ilorin Zoological Garden.

The donation, valued in the millions of naira, highlights Atiku’s ongoing commitment to preserving tradition and enhancing community development.

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Atiku, who is the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, spoke about the cultural and symbolic significance of crocodile rearing, describing it as an important aspect of royal heritage and a source of attraction.

He emphasized the strong bond between the University and the Ilorin community, noting that his family has long been associated with the practice of crocodile rearing.

The crocodile, now part of the University’s animal collection, is a notable addition to the zoo, which is dedicated to both conservation and education.

In receiving the donation, Oyeyemi Jekayinfa, Chairperson of the Unilorin Zoological Garden Board Management, expressed her appreciation for the gesture and invited the public to visit the zoo for both educational and recreational purposes.

Olatunji Yusuf, the General Manager of the zoo, also commended Atiku’s unique contribution, highlighting the zoo’s rich features, such as its natural environment, suspended bridge, and expert staff.

Yusuf emphasized that the zoo serves as an important cultural and educational resource for the Ilorin community.

The donation serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in educational and conservation initiatives, with the University’s zoo now set to become an even more significant destination for visitors interested in Nigeria’s natural and cultural heritage.