LACOVIA, St Elizabeth – Defying a trio of devastating setbacks, Jamaica Zoo is undertaking a vigorous recovery effort with plans to partially reopen its doors by December 19. Operator Paul Fearon confirmed that despite the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck on October 28, all animals are secure and accounted for.
Amidst the sprawling, underutilized lands of St Elizabeth’s agricultural parish, Fearon is leading extensive clean-up operations. The zoo, which features a lion, spider monkeys, parrots, and educational exhibits, suffered structural damage including collapsed roofs and non-functional stalls. Fearon emphasized the unique challenges of managing a zoological facility through crises, stating, ‘Operating a zoo is a perishable item. It is not like a supermarket where you can simply close the door and turn off the lights.’
The zoo’s disaster preparedness protocols proved vital to animal safety. Fearon explained their strategic design: ‘The back of the building has three walls, so debris cannot penetrate. Behind the building is our drainage. Long before the storm, we had an animal security plan implemented.’
However, the path to recovery remains arduous as the institution contends with compounded challenges from Hurricane Beryl (2024) and the lingering effects of COVID-19 shutdowns. Fearon described the consecutive blows as ‘a real struggle’ that has stretched resources thin.
While acknowledging visits from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Fearon expressed disappointment with the limited governmental support. ‘After Beryl, Government agencies came and promised help, but those pledges were not honored,’ he revealed, calling for greater priority on environmental and recreational infrastructure.
Beyond entertainment, Fearon highlighted the zoo’s educational mission, noting its annual program that brings thousands of children under 10 free of charge. ‘We have visitors from across Jamaica who come for the educational aspect regarding both animals and plants,’ he stated.
With 20 power saws and four debris-removal trucks operating simultaneously, the restoration is progressing. Fearon commended his dedicated staff who ‘commit themselves despite their personal problems’ and remains cautiously optimistic about the phased reopening schedule that will return Jamaica Zoo to its role as a national educational resource.