Top News

In the coming days, tourists and especially children may get a chance to see zebras and giraffes again in the National Zoological Park (Zoo) of Delhi. Preparations have been started for the return of zebras after about 15 years and giraffes after 11 years. Along with this, work is being done on a plan to create a new world of rare wildlife by equipping the zoo with modern facilities. Under the new plan, many new buildings and modern enclosures will be constructed in the zoo, so that a better environment can be provided to animals of different species.

According to officials, about 109 species of wildlife will be seen here in future. Apart from zebra and giraffe, rare creatures like cheetah, New World monkey and mouse deer have also been included in this ambitious plan. With the arrival of these species, the zoo's biodiversity will increase and it will become a center of attraction for tourists.

Preparations have started to bring back zebra to the zoo after about 15 years and giraffe after 11 years. Along with this, work is being done rapidly on an ambitious plan to modernize the zoo and include new species. The last zebra in Delhi Zoo died on 30 April 2011. At the same time, the last giraffe named 'Ankit' died of a heart attack in June 2015. Since then the absence of both these popular species was being felt in the zoo.

About 30 years ago, more than 130 species of wildlife were present in Delhi Zoo, but at present only 1,245 animals of about 93 species are left here. Now the zoo administration aims to increase both the number and diversity of wildlife. Under the new plan, about 109 species of wildlife will be included here. Apart from zebra, giraffe and cheetah, these also include rare species like New World Monkey and Mouse Deer. An amount of Rs 3.78 crore has been earmarked for bringing wildlife from various zoos in the country and abroad. According to officials, modern enclosures, better housing and facilities as per international standards will be developed for these species.

An important step towards the rejuvenation of Delhi Zoo was taken last year, when an agreement was signed between the Reliance Company's Green Zoological Research and Rehabilitation Center (GZRRC), the National Zoological Park (Delhi Zoo) and the Government of Gujarat. After this agreement, the plan for comprehensive modernization of the zoo gained momentum. The Central Government has approved the expenditure of about Rs 400 crore for this project.

There is no zebra in Delhi Zoo for the last 15 years. The last zebra died on 30 April 2011. At the same time, about 11 years ago in June 2015, the last giraffe named 'Ankit' died of a heart attack. Since then, both these species have been absent from the zoo. Now the zoo administration is preparing to increase the number of wildlife species from 93 to 109. Under the new plan, apart from zebra and giraffe, many rare species including cheetah, New World monkey, mouse deer will also be included. This will significantly increase the zoo's biodiversity and provide tourists an opportunity to see more wildlife. A provision of Rs 3.78 crore has been made to bring wildlife from various zoos in the country and abroad. Modern enclosures and better housing will be developed for them so that the animals can get facilities as per the natural environment.

Laminated glass enclosures will be a special attraction

Under the plan, modern facilities will be developed in about 6 acres of area from Mathura Road to the main entrance of the zoo. To ease the movement of visitors, four separate routes will be prepared for buses, cars, three-wheelers and pedestrians. This will help in reducing congestion during entry and exit. One of the most striking features of the project will be the use of laminated glass walls in some of the animal enclosures. With this, Delhi Zoo will become the first zoo in the country where this technology will be used. Through these special glass walls, visitors will be able to get a closer look at the animals without any hindrance, while ensuring the safety and comfort of the animals.

Thick laminated glass will be used in the tiger and monkey enclosures in the initial phase. This will provide visitors with a clearer and safer visual experience. Officials believe that this system is being developed on the lines of international level zoos and this technology can be expanded to other enclosures in future. With the modernization of Delhi Zoo, there are plans to include new species like zebra, giraffe, cheetah, New World Monkey and mouse deer. With this, the zoo will be able to establish a new identity in the field of wildlife conservation, education and tourism.

Key facilities for visitors

Development of modern facilities in 6 acres area from Mathura Road to Entry Gate.

Four separate routes for buses, cars, three-wheelers and pedestrians.

Laminated glass walls will be installed in some animal enclosures.

Delhi Zoo will become the first zoo in the country to use laminated glass.

In the first phase, thick laminated glass will be installed in the enclosures of tigers and monkeys.

Follow the LALLURAM.COM MP channel on WhatsApp