Borno Commissioner Donates Food to 120 Zoo Animals

Borno Commissioner Donates Food to 120 Zoo Animals

Borno State commissioner showed a rare act of kindness this Eid that melted hearts across the state.

In a rare act of kindness that touched many hearts, Borno State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Comrade Sainna Buba, donated a full truckload of food to the Maiduguri Zoo, home to more than 120 animals. The donation came as part of the Eid el-Kabir celebration, turning what’s usually a human-centered event into a moment of care for all living creatures.

This gesture wasn’t just symbolic—it was nourishing in every sense. Monkeys, ostriches, antelopes, and other animals at the Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri got to enjoy a nutritious banquet. The truck was filled with fresh fruits like bananas, mangoes, and watermelons, plus vegetables, hay, grass, fish, and meat. Each item was carefully picked to suit the diets of the zoo’s many animals.

Buba arrived at the zoo with his family, including his children, who witnessed the animals eagerly enjoying the food. The visit turned into more than just a donation—it became a lesson in kindness, empathy, and shared joy.

“Feeding animals, especially those in captivity, is a meaningful act of kindness. It is a way of showing mercy and, by extension, seeking reward and forgiveness from the Almighty,” Buba said, highlighting the spiritual side of the act.

Zoo officials and visitors were visibly moved by what they saw. For many animals, it was a rare treat. Monkeys were seen jumping with joy as they grabbed watermelon slices. Ostriches pecked at fresh vegetables while antelopes quietly nibbled on hay and fruits. The excitement was clear, and it spread to onlookers who captured the moment on their phones.

Zoo manager Mr. Ali Donbest called the gesture “the first of its kind in recent memory.” He said the donation came at the perfect time and helped raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare.

“This gesture is not only thoughtful, but it’s timely. It helps improve animal welfare and also raises public awareness. You could see the happiness on the animals’ faces,” he said.

For many residents of Maiduguri, the act was refreshing. In a region often associated with hardship and struggle, Buba’s move brought hope and light. It showed that leadership can be compassionate, even towards the smallest and quietest members of society—animals.

The commissioner urged others to follow suit. He called on public officials, community leaders, and residents to include animals in their acts of charity during festivals. His message was simple: all of God’s creatures deserve mercy, especially during celebrations that focus on sacrifice and giving.

Parents visiting the zoo took the moment to educate their children. They explained why kindness matters not just to humans, but to animals as well. Many took photos and shared them online, spreading the story further. What began as a quiet visit quickly became a moment that warmed hearts across Borno and beyond.

Even long after the food was served, the impact remained. The animals were healthier and visibly more active. The zoo itself, often overlooked, gained new attention. People began talking about supporting the zoo more often—not just during Eid, but year-round.

The donation didn’t just provide food. It reminded the public of the shared responsibility we have toward all forms of life. By including animals in his Eid giving, Buba redefined what it means to be generous and thoughtful during festive periods.

In places like Borno, where many still recover from years of conflict, such moments carry more than emotional weight—they offer healing and dignity.

Buba’s visit to the zoo wasn’t loud or political. It was personal, heartfelt, and deeply human. His actions showed that leadership starts with compassion. That message, more than anything, is what made his donation unforgettable.