In a bid to beautify the national zoological park, Delhi Zoo administration will renovate all the animal enclosures and broaden the roads. A senior official said under the master plan 2012-2031, Delhi Zoo will take major steps to enhance the facilities for the visitors.
Delhi Zoo has 110 different categories of species while the total number of animals is 1354 including mammals, reptiles and birds.
“This year, there is tremendous increase of visitors. We have recorded two lakh visitors and the number will increase further. As safety of visitors is our priority, we have taken safety measures without distributing the habitat and have deployed our staff around the boundaries of dangerous animals like lion and tigers,” said Ajit Kumar Bhowmik, Joint Director, Delhi Zoo.
Soon, Delhi Zoo will bring a Rhino from Patna Zoo. While talking to The Pioneer, Bhowmik said, “We have sent a proposal to Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to bring a Rhino in Delhi zoo. The central authority has approached to Patna Zoo for this.”
“For animal habitat, we have divided their cages and caves and are covering them with proper plantations so that they (animals) do not feel bored and enjoy their habitat without any human distractions,” said Riyaz Ahmed Khan, Education Curator, Delhi Zoo.
“To tackle any accident, our guards and employees are equipped with the technology. The guards are deployed around dangerous animals having wireless phones and secondly, these guards are now familiar with the animals. By hooting of guards, the animals can be brought under control,” Khan added.
Talking about the physical measurements of fencing around the animal enclosures, Khan said there are cemented walls of upto 12 feet above which, wire fencing has been done. “Not taking risk with human life, the wire fencing around the animal pen has been lifted up to 18 feet as some times, animals can jump above 12 feet,” Khan further added.
As Delhi zoo will celebrate the wildlife week, it is expected that dignitaries of higher level will come to encourage the common people about wildlife and about conservation of wildlife. “Although the wildlife week starts on October 1 and will be on till October 7, Delhi zoo will be closed on October 2,” the official added.