Wild animals facing malnutrition in Kenya museums

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 02:54 pm

The restrictions on movement of people due to the Covid-19 pandemic have seen fewer people visiting Kenya’s parks and the National Museums of Kenya, resulting in reduced earnings from gate collections.

Now the animals under the care of the Kenyan National Museums(NMK) are at risk of starvation, as the gate collection of around $300,000 a month used to cater for their food and general treatment has dried up.

In addition to feeding the animals, the gate collections are also used to operate the institutions on a regular basis including paying utility bills and contract services such as cleaning, protection and fuel.

NMK Director-General Mzalendo Kibunjia told East African he had reached out for a loan to the National Treasury.

“NMK could be the first government agency directly affected by the Covid-19 and we hope the government can act swiftly.

Such animals, besides the rich cultural heritage collections that we have, are a big feature of our attractions, “he said.

[Theeastafrican]