$25M Flows to power educational programme at Hope Zoo

Another generation of Jamaican youth can now look forward to learning firsthand about the animal kingdom and environmental conservation as new life is injected into a national landmark - the Hope Zoo. The Kenny Benjamin led Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation and broadband service provider Flow announce a J$25 million partnership that will boost the efforts to restore and upgrade the Hope Zoo with an integrated, technology-driven education programme, powered by Flow.

Chief operating officer of Columbus Communications Jamaica Ltd., operators of the Flow and Business Solution brands Michele English (l) presents Kenny Benjamin (centre) and Karen Gandreti of the Hope Zoo with a cheque of $25 million towards renovation efforts and to provide the zoo with an integrated technology-driven education programme at the Zoo’s learning centre to be constructed next year.  

Since 2011 the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation has been working assiduously to bring the beloved Zoo back to its former glory...and beyond.  Jamaica's 21st century zoo will feature a Learning and Resource Centre powered by Flow's broadband network which will deliver high speed internet and digital cable television service, creating a multi-media driven education experience. This will complement the refurbished and upgraded habitats for the animals which will include the popular snake and reptile house, monkey island, wild cat cages, bird houses, flamingo pond and crocodile and iguana reserves. 

“The Hope Zoo's restoration is important to all Jamaicans not just as a social space but more importantly as a living, interactive classroom that provides an exceptional educational experience for our youth,” said  Kenny Benjamin, Executive Chairman of the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation. “We are pleased to be partnering with Flow, an organization that understands this significance and is committed to joining us in its redevelopment. Flow has always demonstrated its commitment to the development of the nation and our people and we truly value their support in helping us bring back the Zoo - a great national treasure and an iconic establishment in our history - to its former glory."

Kenny Benjamin, Executive Chairman of the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation (r) watches closely as Flow’s Denise Williams (far left) and Michele English (second left) and Nicholas Benjamin feed the budgies at the Zoo. Flow officially launched its partnership with the Foundation yesterday, December 18, where the company made $25m donation to restoration efforts as well as an integrated technology-driven education programme at the Zoo’s learning centre to be constructed next year.  

The partnership with Hope Zoo is yet another initiative of the broadband service provider to leverage its technology to enhance and transform the way Jamaicans live, work, play and learn.

The unique learning environment of a zoo

“The Hope Zoo, remains one of the most stunning green spaces in Kingston.  Its potential as a family destination, where children can learn about and interact with animals, and where we can all appreciate the importance of conservation, is unquestionable,” said Michele English, president and coo of Columbus Communications, operators of the Flow brand.  “From inception  we made a promise to Jamaica that we would leverage our technology to enhance education. Our partnership with the Zoo is a creative way of capturing the interest and imagination of young people to motivate them to perform at higher levels.  We are proud that in addition to financial contributions of cash and services to rehabilitate the look and feel of the zoo, Flow will also be powering the Zoo’s Learning/Resource Centre.”

The Learning and Resource Centre at Hope Zoo is an entirely new facility that is intended to enhance the science education programme in schools . In partnership with the Ministry of Education, a curriculum will be developed to help students learn about the zoo, conservation, nature and other related topics. This will be complemented by special arrangements to enable groups of school children to have free access for learning tours of the Hope Zoo. 

While the restoration of the Hope Zoo is a work in progress with construction of new administrative buildings, animal habitats and landscaping continuing on the grounds, with plans for more animals to arrive in the near future, families and youth groups continue to visit and enjoy the facilities.  The Hope Zoo is open daily Mondays to Sundays, including public holidays.