Zoological gardens to have new animals, birds: minister

LAHORE

Wildlife Department has decided to purchase animals for completing pairs as well as new animals and birds for Lahore Zoo and Safari Zoo Park with an estimated cost of Rs114.9 million.This was revealed by Provincial Minister for Forests & Wildlife, Malik Muhammad Asif Bha Awan while presiding over a meeting here Tuesday. Provincial Minister for Zakat & Ushr, Malik Nadeem Kamran was also present in the meeting. He said the summary for approval would be sent to the chief minister after considering all issues.

The minister said that a committee was constituted to complete this task and as per the report of the committee, 21 animals and birds would be purchased for completing pair of wildlife which will cost Rs60 million while purchase of 12 new animals will cost Rs40 million.

Later, the provincial ministers also visited the Lahore Zoo and directed to evolve a strategy for provision of more facilities as well as landscaping to attract more visitors for increasing income of the zoo. They ordered the Lahore Zoo director to undertake landscaping and artwork at Lahore Zoo under public private partnership for improving the existing condition. Director General Wildlife Khalid Ayaz Khan informed the meeting that negotiations were held with private sector for developing drive in Zoo Park at Jallo Park over an area of 85 kanals and its master plan was in the final stages of preparation.