Delhi Zoo's masterplan to woo tourists

New Delhi, January 2

The Delhi Zoo, spread over 176 acres, witnesses tourist footfall from across the country and to make it a place to remember for life, the zoo administration is making necessary changes and facelifts.

The zoo not just houses animals but also different varieties of trees and plants.

Under new changes, 100 species of trees will be planted in the zoo and the spot will be named as 'Tree Point', so that tourists who want to see trees and plants can see all at one place.

Currently, the zoo has 75 species of trees which will be increased to 100 this year. This exercise is taking time as trees grow in their specific season.

In the past few months, many animals have been brought to the Delhi Zoo. At present, it has 1200 animals of 96 species.

Under the masterplan, in the next ten years, the aim is to increase the number of species to 236.

Soon, four new species of animals will be added that will take the species tally to 100.

For the first time, the Delhi Zoo has received 'Dhole' (wild dog) and star tortoise. On September 23, an ostrich was brought here from Chandigarh zoo.

Apart from this, three lions, one turtle from Junagadh and a 'Chousingha' (four-horned antelope) had also arrived. On October 5, two tigresses and as many bears were also brought.

In the past six months, 14 new species and 37 wildlife animals have been brought in the Delhi Zoo.

A primate park has also been set up in the zoo, in which types of primates - bonnet, baboon, colobines and Rhesus macaque - will be kept so that tourists can see them at a place. Presently, a tourist has to go from one place to another to see similar species.

Under the plan, the zoo administration is trying to put a certain category of animals at one place, like if a tourist wants to see carnivorous animals, he/she can see all of them at one place.

Though such changes will take time and it will not be easy for the zoo administration too. The work will began from this year itself and it is expected that by 2032 the zoo will get a complete facelift.

Delhi Zoo Joint Director Anamika Narwal said: "Delhi Zoo is a world of its own. Recently, the zoo has added many new species. The zoo has many new additions like Dhole (wild dog), Star tortoise, hyena and others. Apart from these, the zoo is actively organising various programmes for the visitors and celebrating the 'Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav'." To promote research in various aspects of the zoo, MoUs have been signed with various universities including, Ashoka University, Amity University, Turtle Survival Alliance.

Further under a special campaign, animals were also given special food on the occasion of Christmas and New Year. IANS