Footfalls witness an increase at Zoo, Palace

Footfalls at two of the most visited tourist destinations in the city — the Amba Vilas Palace and Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens — has recorded an increase, as compared to previous years. Of the two places, the Palace continued to be the most visited destination in the city.

From April 1, 2014, to March 18 this year, a total of 30.55 lakh tourists have visited the Zoo, generating a revenue of Rs 15.89 crore. While several animals were added to the Zoo, the Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre was inaugurated at Koorgalli this year.

Zoo authorities are hopeful that the number of visitors would reach 31 lakh by the end of March.

During the year 2013-14, 30.25 lakh tourists from India and abroad had visited the zoo, as compared to 30.36 lakh visitors in 2012-13. The revenue generated during the said period was Rs 13.10 crore and Rs 12.02 crore respectively.

At the Palace, the number of visitors which had declined in 2013-14, improved during the current year. Footfall had dipped from 33 lakh in 2012-13 to 32.47 lakh in 2013-14. However, as of March 19, the Palace had recorded a total of 33.24 lakh visitors. Details of the revenue generated at Amba Vilas Palace, however, is not available.

The data of visitors to the Palace also indicates a decline in the number of foreign tourists.

While 80,835 foreign tourists visited the Palace in 2012-13, it dipped to 72,483 foreign tourists in 2013-14. The decline continued in 2014-15 too, with 67,120 foreigners visiting the Palace, which is about 13,000 tourists less than was recorded in 2012-13.

Animal adoption

The animal adoption initiative of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, continued to attract donors. From seven animals adopted in 2001-02, the number has grown to 402 in 2014-15, as of March 11. The adoption programme, generated a revenue of Rs 38.42 lakh for the Zoo during the year.

According to the data available, the highest number of animals was adopted during the year. In 2012-13, 326 animals were adopted generating Rs 25.94 lakh and 364 animals were adopted in 2013-14, generating a revenue of Rs 33.48 lakh.

B P Ravi, Executive Director of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, said, the increase in the number of tourists was due to the word-of-mouth publicity by visitors to the Zoo.

“We have ensured clean surroundings, greenery, efficient animal management and are working to improve the facilities at the Zoo,” he said.

Improved facilities, such as new enclosures for animals, has also contributed to the increase in the number of visitors, he added.