The first time I saw wild animals was at the University of Ibadan (UI) zoo. You need to see how that urban-raised boy was amazed when he saw live snakes, lion, crocodiles, etc. Not on television or in books; I saw them live in their cages. That experience was facilitated by Olubunmi Akinlabi, then President of the Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (FESSU). We had embarked on a tour from Akoka to our home state. The tour was packaged with stops at some tourist attractions; the UI zoo and Ikogosi Warm Spring were at the top of the list. That experience remains memorable for me because that was the first time I visited those places.
Arojinle is a social media influencer, wildlife researcher, science communicator, and documentarian. Known for his engaging animal-related content, he educates millions about animal behaviour, wildlife conservation, and fascinating scientific facts, combining research, storytelling, and humour to make science accessible. Last week, I listened with shock and awe to how he narrated his experience in UI when he visited the zoo. He narrated how he and another visitor needed to take permission from “constituted authorities” before they could take pictures at the UI zoo.
The restriction is not merely a rumour. The official University of Ibadan Zoological Garden website, under its Visitors’ Information section, states: “Video, Camera, and iPad usage is prohibited unless strictly by permission and attracts a fee of two thousand (N2,000) only.” Are you as dazed as I am? In 2026, for goodness sake!
Without beating about the bush, the University of Ibadan has a reputation to protect. As Nigeria’s premier university, it occupies a special place in the country’s educational history and continues to command national and international respect. Its zoological garden, established in 1948 and developed into a full-fledged zoo in 1974, is one of its enduring attractions. Beyond its academic value, the zoo offers families, schoolchildren, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts an opportunity to encounter animals they might otherwise see only in books, on television or through the internet.
It is curious that in an age when photographs have become an essential part of tourism and public engagement, the zoo’s restriction on photography appears increasingly out of step with contemporary expectations.
I engaged with my friend who graduated from UI. He has also taken his children to the zoo, hence, he is aware of the rule. According to him, the rule may have been enacted for safety reasons. There are unconfirmed reports of persons who, in the course of their visits, forgot themselves while taking picture and were harmed by the animals. While the underlying concern for visitor safety may be understandable, the University should reconsider whether such a restrictive arrangement remains the most appropriate response to the risks associated with photographing wild animals.
For emphasis, safety should be the priority, but restricting photography is not the solution.
A zoological garden is more than a collection of wild animals. It is an educational facility, a conservation centre and a recreational destination. For children, seeing a lion, crocodile, chimpanzee or giraffe can be an unforgettable learning experience. Photographs help preserve these memories, support school assignments and encourage children to develop an interest in wildlife and conservation.
For parents and tourists, taking pictures is a natural part of documenting an outing. To prevent visitors from doing so unnecessarily diminishes their experience. And that is unfair. More importantly, the university is missing a valuable promotional opportunity. In today’s social media environment, visitors can become voluntary ambassadors for tourist attractions. A photograph shared on Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp can inspire others to visit the zoo. Such publicity comes free of charge; it costs the institution nothing.
Why should UI restrict an activity that could increase its visibility, attract more visitors and potentially generate additional revenue? Granted, the safety argument is not without merit. There have been incidents at wildlife attractions involving visitors who approached dangerous animals or attempted risky selfies. Wild animals are unpredictable, and no institution should compromise public safety for entertainment.
However, there is a clear difference between taking a photograph from behind a secure barrier and attempting to climb over one for a closer shot. The appropriate response is to regulate dangerous behaviour, not prohibit responsible photography.
UI could permit photographs taken with mobile phones and personal cameras in designated areas while retaining restrictions on flash photography where necessary, commercial filming and activities that disturb animals. Prominent warning signs, secure enclosures and strict enforcement against reckless behaviour would provide more targeted protection.
Maintaining a genuine zoo is expensive. Feeding wild animals, employing trained handlers, providing veterinary care and maintaining secure enclosures require substantial investment. Given the financial challenges facing many Nigerian universities, not every institution can reasonably establish one. As an institution with one, this makes UI’s facility even more valuable. Its management should maximise its educational, recreational and tourism potential.
Just recently, UI (with UNILAG and Covenant University) was ranked as Nigeria’s leading institutions by Times Higher Education. It therefore behoves UI to demonstrate that excellence includes responsiveness to changing public expectations. The university should review its photography policy and replace the restrictive arrangement with a modern, safety-conscious alternative.
The answer to dangerous selfies is not to ban cameras. It is to enforce sensible safety rules. UI can lead by example: keep the safety measures that work, protecting visitors and animals while allowing responsible visitors to capture and share memorable experiences. A premier university should preserve its traditions while having the courage to modernise outdated policies.
