Be Resilient
Once the epitome of horticultural splendour, it is recognised as not only the largest public green space in the Kingston metropolitan region, but also the largest botanical gardens in the Caribbean. Currently, it houses several of our island’s popular endemic and exotic botanical collections. The main entrance, which is the Cassia Siamea Grove, was planted in 1907 and other mini-gardens within the park subsequently followed. The gardens boast a fountain, lily pond, orchid house, green houses, a sunken garden, a ‘Palm Avenue’ with Sago Palms, cacti and annual gardens, plus a bougainvillea walk with its magnificent burst of tropical colours. The gardens are now maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture's Public Gardens Division. As with anything that ages, time and nature eventually takes a toll. Several hurricanes later, plus vandalism and the structures within the gardens such as the gazebos and even the beloved maze have clearly seen better days. Other structures have also fallen into disrepair or become outdated, as one would expect, in a place more than a century old.
Owing to the fact of it being a national institution, many felt compelled to aid in its restoration and in 2007 over $10 million was pumped into getting work underway. Major sponsors, Digicel Foundation, along with Jamaica Broilers and the Nature Preservation Foundation, made a commitment to seeing the gardens in full bloom again. Though separately managed, Jamaicans think of the gardens and the zoo as an entire package and the zoo itself has gotten some much-needed attention to make it more child-friendly and overall a more inviting location. Instead of quickly running through as they normally do, visitors are invited to stay a while and delight in both the animals and the scenery.
…what is a modern zoo without a petting area for youngsters to develop an appreciation for animals
New additions to the zoo family include deer that were brought in from Portland. For many visitors though, the
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Places & Spaces