As winter is gradually making its way to the Capital, the Delhi Zoo is all geared up to make it a comfortable experience for visitors.
The zoo, which has the highest footfall during winter season, will soon sport a high-tech audiovisual (AV) centre from where people will get a feel and experience of animal activity inside the park. To enhance visitor knowledge, the authority will also deploy ‘keepers’ who will act as guides during their rounds. Besides, the authority has begun building pathways and additional civic amenities inside the zoo for ease of public movement.
The AV centre, which will be open to public after Diwali, will have an hour-long programme wherein special films depicting the behavior of different animals inhabiting the zoo will be screened. “These short movies have been created by budding filmmakers and animal enthusiasts. Apart from recording the daily routine of animals, these movies will record the special moments between animals. They will get to see how even in a controlled environment like a zoo, animals are territorial, how the newly-born behaves with its mother,” said Riyaz Khan, zoo curator (education). With a capacity for 60 people in the hall, the programme will be organised four times a day and will
be gratis.
Apart from movies, the authority also plans to hold awareness sessions in it for which it will rope in renowned experts from the field. “People will also get theme-based lectures in the show. It will prove beneficial for those who have pets as they will be taught ways of taking care of them. It is important for them to know how to take care of their pets during conception or change in season,” said an official.
For all those who do not wish to go around the zoological park, the centre is expected to act as a decent substitute. “Despite the eco-friendly trolleys, there are senior citizens who are not able to visit the entire place. The centre will also act as entertainment for kids. Also, people are not always lucky when they visit a zoo. For example, many people expect to see a tiger snarl, only to find it asleep. The centre will show all aspects of an animal’s life,” informed Khan, explaining the reason behind the creation of the centre.
Meanwhile, the zoo has taken a slew of measures to make it more people-friendly. “We are creating pathways for people that will also help in free movement of trolleys on roads. We are adding three more toilets to the existing five in the park. While there are five drinking water outlets, five more RO water outlets will be installed,” added Khan. The authority will also deploy 10 keepers who will guide visitors.