Big cats to be displayed side by side, soon

For most of the visitors at the Zoo, large mammals, especially carnivores are a major attraction. In the existing layout of the Zoo enclosures, the carnivores are scattered around the Park.

Soon, visitors will be able to view these animals adjacent to each other, at the Mega Carnivore Zone, envisioned by the Zoo.

This is among the several works that are being taken up at the Zoo premises, as per the new Master Plan. One of the changes visitors will notice will be at the entrance. With long queues outside the Zoo affecting the free movement of traffic outside the Zoo, construction of a new ticket plaza is being taken up, with proposals to introduce automated entry system. When works are completed, the hassle of visitors queuing up along the road is likely to come to an end.

Carnivore zone

The Mega Carnivore Zone is located near the tiger enclosure. When works are completed, other large carnivores of India, enclosures for Asiatic lions and leopards will come up here. Apart from it, construction of an amphitheatre and a restaurant is also being taken up at the Zoo.

According to Executive Director of the Zoo, B P Ravi, works are being taken up as per the Zoo Master Plan, which outlines the developmental activities of the Zoo for the next 20 years.

The enclosures are being constructed based on the minimum specifications of Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for Schedule (1) animals, such as the Asiatic lions, he said. Works on leopard enclosure is almost complete, while lion enclosure will be completed shortly, he said.

Works on the amphitheatre and the restaurant for visitors are also progressing well, he said. “All activities inside the Zoo have to be approved by CZA and approval for works have been taken,” he said.

Following the completion of the works currently taken up, works for other theme based zones inside the Zoo will be taken up. Individual estimates will be prepared for the said works, “depending on the finances available with the Zoo,” he added.