Tourism Practitioner Calls for Renaming of Animals in Zoos After Local Names
Tourism practitioner calls for renaming of animals in zoos after local names is gaining attention as a fresh cultural tourism initiative following a call by Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, a well-known advocate for cultural heritage promotion. He said renaming zoo animals using familiar indigenous names could strengthen cultural identity and deepen community connection to tourism facilities.
Dr. Kiyaramo explained that the current practice of giving animals foreign or generic names often limits local engagement, noting that people connect more naturally with what reflects their roots. According to him, assigning local names to zoo animals would help visitors—especially children—see the animals as part of their own cultural experience rather than distant creatures with unfamiliar labels.
He emphasised that integrating indigenous names into zoo exhibitions would not only enhance visitor interest but also serve as an avenue to teach younger generations about traditional languages and stories tied to the animals. This, he said, could boost cultural pride and stimulate repeat visits.
The advocate further noted that such an initiative could expand cultural heritage tourism offerings across the country. By showcasing local names and narratives, zoos could become educational hubs where wildlife conservation meets cultural preservation, ultimately elevating the overall tourism value chain.
Dr. Kiyaramo urged tourism boards, zoo managers, and cultural institutions to collaborate on developing frameworks that incorporate indigenous knowledge systems into wildlife display and interpretation. He believes that this simple yet impactful change could contribute significantly to reviving interest in domestic tourism and strengthening cultural identity through everyday experiences.
