My heart beats with excitement when I visit, after a long time, the Granma Zoological Park Complex in Bayamo. Memories of childhood and youth are reborn in the place that gave happy moments to many of us and that, now, makes children and adults alike smile.
This facility, which has existed for more than 40 years, was almost forgotten for some time, but it returns on June 29 renovated and colorful, thanks to the work of more than twenty Granma companies that, convened by the highest authorities of the province, managed to rescue, with their own resources, its equipment, artifacts and natural areas for the enjoyment of visitors.
In three stages, which began on May 5, the following departments worked in 30 areas to organize and ensure the park’s full operation: Transportation, Aqueducts, Etecsa, Flora and Fauna, Communal, Storage, Commerce and Gastronomy, Minint, the Public Health, Sports and Culture departments, and the companies Integral Alimentaria, Electric, Beverages and Soft Drinks, Dairy, Lodging, Camping, Fishing and those belonging to the Ministry of the Food Industry, among many others involved.
The implementation of equipment that had been in disuse and the two swimming pools made available for children are some of the most significant aspects for a public that has been eagerly awaiting the reopening of Granma Park this summer.
The famous little train, the doll house, the mechanical bull and the flying chairs are among the attractions of the recreational space.
In this chaining process, the collaboration of non-state economic actors was also necessary, who were committed to the task of restoring Granma Park in record time, but with quality and good taste.
Oniel Nuñez Rodríguez, a self-employed worker who was in charge of repairing the flying chairs, says that, when the order began, they were in a deplorable state.
“The entire structural part of the pipes was rotten, we brought pipes, made a new base and acquired another belt.
“The skeleton was also in poor condition and we applied sheet metal, polishing, red oxide and bought top quality paint for them, so that inclement weather and bad weather damage them less.”
“We plan to convert this equipment into a more automatic one, to facilitate its handling by operators, since we want to incorporate a timer,” said Núñez Rodríguez.
“After almost two months of work, together with workers from various sectors, we have completed this capital repair, so that the Granma family has a recreation place, as it was in previous decades,” explained Dámaso Enrique Benítez Ramos, director of This establishment located on the outskirts of the city.
Tickets to the park will be priced at five pesos for minors and 10 pesos in the case of adults, with the same price established for access to attractions and donkey riding; and 20 pesos for swimming in the pools.
“We will have a supply system to maintain the gastronomic offers and to do so we have installed different points of sale for bread, sweets, ice cream, fruits, food, among other proposals at affordable prices,” he said.
ENJOY NATURE
The zoo is home to 185 animals of 19 species. Despite their longevity, there is a female monkey (36 years old) and a female lion (19 years old) who are in perfect health. The zoo’s staff are working to increase the number of species, while providing the animals with a varied diet and ongoing veterinary care.
“Our caretakers are highly trained in animal care, and the work team is made up of biologists, zootechnicians, veterinarians and other professionals. We systematically monitor the health program to maintain the good physical condition of our animals,” added Dámaso Enrique Benítez Ramos, also a livestock engineer.
Likewise, they intend to carry out environmental education projects, instilling in children and young people from surrounding communities respect and protection of the ecosystem based on scientific knowledge.
For this reason, a classroom dedicated to this knowledge has been set up, in which circles of interest linked to Cuban flora and fauna will be held.
Yanet Aimara Sam Pascual, director of the Copaynicú Botanical Garden, explained that in terms of the rescue and maintenance of the green areas, it was necessary to relocate several plants to return the area to the landscape beauty of yesteryear.
“Taking into account the colors of the plants, the shadow and sun areas, we placed them in different locations, to transform the environment so that it was in harmony with the image of a playground, where children can have fun to the fullest and , at the same time, take care of the environment.
“We also prune, clean and plant other trees. We put signs on each species so that people know their names and characteristics.”
SUMMER MODE ACTIVATED
The Provincial Popular Camping Company will offer the public various activities within the complex during the months of July and August aimed at healthy and ecological recreation.
Dayamí Verdecia Quiala, a commercial specialist at that entity, stated: “We open our doors so that people have the opportunity to enjoy our three fundamental services: accommodation, recreation and light cuisine.
“We have traditional games and we rent loungers and tents with sponge mattresses, with capacity for four or six people. We also offer the option of making reservations for the four camping bases in the territory, from right here, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; in such a way that it is easier for the population to ensure their arrival at our facilities during this summer stage,” he said.
The province has 80 playgrounds, 54 of which are located in communities. When analyzing their situation, in light of the beginning of the summer season, it was confirmed that most of them need maintenance, with emphasis on welding, painting, gardening work and better and varied recreational and gastronomic offerings.
At the Granma Zoological Park Complex, natural potential is exploited, such as the landscape, climate, temperature and relief; at the same time, fun, culture and learning come together.
For some, it is reliving old memories and emotions, the evocation of which brings back smiles, while for others it is the first trip to a magical place, which conveys to its visitors the pleasure of a happy stay.
){kind=link}