Museum, Department of Zoology, ABU Zaria
Preserving Nigeria's Zoological Heritage for Education, Research, and Conservation
The Museum at Department of Zoology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is one of Northern Nigeria’s largest and most significant collections of animal specimens. Established to support zoological education, research, and public engagement, the museum serves as a vital resource for students, researchers, and the wider community.
About the Museum
The museum houses an extensive collection of vertebrate and invertebrate specimens, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and other arthropods. Many specimens are native to Nigeria and West Africa, providing an invaluable record of the region’s biodiversity.
The collection is used extensively for:
Teaching: Practical demonstrations of animal diversity, anatomy, and taxonomy for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Research: Comparative morphology, biodiversity assessment, and species identification by researchers within and outside ABU.
Public Engagement: School visits, guided tours, and citizen science initiatives that promote awareness of Nigeria’s natural heritage.
Our Collections
Mammals
Preserved specimens of small to medium-sized mammals including rodents, bats, primates, and carnivores from northern Nigeria.
Birds
A diverse collection of native and migratory bird species, showcasing plumage variation, beak adaptations, and habitat preferences.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Preserved specimens of snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs, highlighting the herpetofauna of the savanna and forest zones.
Fish
Freshwater fish species from the Kubanni River, Lake Chad basin, and other Nigerian water bodies, including preserved whole specimens and histological slides.
Insects and Arthropods
An extensive insect collection featuring butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, termites, and other arthropods, with an emphasis on local biodiversity and pest species.
Skeletal and Anatomical
Skeletal preparations, anatomical models, and wet specimens used for teaching vertebrate anatomy and comparative morphology.
Visiting the Museum
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Zaria |
| Opening Hours | Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (excluding public holidays) |
| Admission | Free for ABU students and staff (with valid ID) |
| Small fee for external visitors (contact department for rates) | |
| Group Visits | Prior booking required for schools, colleges, and research groups |
Booking Contact
To book a group visit or request access for research purposes, please contact:
Museum Curator
Email: museum@abuzariazoology.org.ng
Phone: +234 800 300 4001
Research Access
Researchers, graduate students, and taxonomists requiring access to the museum’s collections for scientific study should submit a formal request to the Head of Department. Access is granted for:
Specimen identification and verification
Morphological and taxonomic research
Biodiversity and ecological studies
Imaging and digitization projects
School & Community Outreach
The Zoological Museum welcomes visits from primary and secondary schools, as well as community groups. Outreach activities include:
- Guided tours of the museum galleries
- Interactive sessions on animal diversity and conservation
- Career talks on zoology and museum sciences
- Citizen science projects (e.g., birdwatching, insect collection)
To schedule a school or community visit, please complete the enquiry form below or contact the museum curator.
Support the Museum
The museum welcomes donations of ethically sourced specimens, educational materials, and financial support to expand and preserve the collection. If you would like to contribute, please contact the Head of Department.
Or kindly send an email to donation@abuzariazoology.org.ng
Museum Enquiries
You can also contact us directly at: museum@abuzariazoology.org.ng
Museum Gallery
