KINGSTON, Jamaica – The operator of the Lacovia, St Elizabeth-based Jamaica Zoo says the entity’s potential as an attraction is being hampered by lack of funding, noting that “even a little funding from Government” could allow it to be one of the premier facilities of its kind.

According to Paul Fearon, numerous appeals to the Government for funds have fallen on deaf ears.

“I’m just hoping one day the Government will see the real need for this project on an international basis…But no, we have never been that fortunate to get funding from the Government. If I was that fortunate, like some other places, to get even a little funding from the Government, this maybe would be one of the biggest attractions in the world, because this [Jamaica Zoo] actually runs itself,” Fearon told OBSERVER ONLINE during a visit to the facility by our news team.

“We appealed to the Government many times. We reached out many times and no response. That is something I really don’t want to get into. They must know what they’re doing, but the most we try to do is keep the gates open. But I’m not going to sit and mope and say, ‘Oh, I need the Government to fund me’ and then see my business going down. Yes. I asked for funds, and if I get it, I will surely make Jamaica proud,” he added.

Jamaica Zoo is situated on sprawling, mostly underutilised land in the bread basket parish and houses several unfinished buildings, with roofs caving in and out of service stalls. Its attractions include a lion, spider monkeys, yellow snakes, parrots, movie dining and fishing for kids.

Fearon said that monies collected from visitors have allowed the zoo to keep its doors open, but haven’t been enough for it to embark on all its upgrade plans.

“Regarding the unfinished buildings, it is based on maintenance. Because if you look, maybe you will see one and two roofs falling down and you’ll have to repair it. But, while repairing it and having visitors is a little bit challenging. And then you have to wait on funds to get the whole thing going. The funds fluctuate and it is not enough to maintain the business, but it is enough to keep the doors open,” Fearon said.

But he added that Juici Patties have been the most consistent corporate sponsor for the zoo in recent years.

“I’m fortunate enough because with Juici Patties, I can comfortably say most times, I’ve never had an event and approached them, and they told me no. They’re always there. So, you know, God bless Juici Patties and I always give thanks because they are always there for us, no matter how small the event may be,” Fearon said.

Some projects that are ongoing at the facility, which he said should be operational in the next two months, are the building of a waterfall and the addition of a jerk centre.

There will also be a city walk which will offer numerous treats for visitors including gift and teddy bear shops.