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January 19, 2025

While renovation work at the Lahore Zoo is grabbing eyeballs, some areas have been clearly neglected

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T

o someone who’s been to the Lahore Zoo a couple of times in the past, a recent visit to the place — that is, post its much-tomtommed upgrade — isn’t necessarily going to entail a better experience.

For the uninitiated, the Zoo was closed for seven-odd months in 2023 for uplift work, and it wasn’t until Eid Al Azha last year that it reopened. It is supposed to have undergone massive renovation, with a budget of Rs 1.83 billion; but there is little in terms of improvement that you will find here.

The first thing the visitors entering from its gate on The Mall are likely to notice is that a portion of the zoo, previously home to an aviary, has been allocated for parking. While parking is an essential part of a public facility, the question arises as to why it was allowed to encroach upon the zoo itself. A different solution to the problem could have saved the day.

“Aren’t zoos supposed to preserve habitats, rather than reduce them?” asked a middle-aged visitor, who introduced himself as Qadeer.

The entry ticket, priced at Rs 100, only covers the main entrance. Additional charges apply if you want to check out the many attractions inside. At the end of your trip, you would have spent Rs 1,000 or more. Consider: the ticket to the Reptile House is Rs 200. A visit to the Holo Verse — not yet operational — is said to cost Rs 100 if you avail Virtual Reality, Rs 200 for Mixed Reality and Rs 300 for Hologram 3D Cinema. You will be charged extra if you wish to click a photo of/ with the animals. The aquarium, which is expected to open soon, could add to the total cost of your visit if it issues a separate ticket.

Talking to TNS, the director of the Lahore Zoo, Zahid Sheikh defends the ticketing format: “We have upgraded the facility with more wildlife. We need more funds for the upkeep of animals; the ticket proceeds will keep us going.”

Among the zoo’s popular attractions are tigers, jaguars and a revamped Deer Enclosure. Moreover, recreational zones such as a gaming area and walking tracks seek to enhance the visitors’ experience.

The Reptile House has been upgraded to meet international standards. As Sheikh puts it, “Earlier, we had a snake house; now, it’s a reptile house that boasts a number of reptiles, including snakes. We’ve brought in reptiles from places such as the Amazon. The collection of species includes pythons, chameleons, lizards and even spiders, especially tarantulas. Visitors can now see great biodiversity under one roof, which is unique to the Lahore Zoo.”

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The entry ticket, priced at Rs 100, only covers the main entrance. Additional charges apply if you want to check out the many attractions inside. At the end of your trip, you would have spent Rs 1,000 or more.

The Holo Verse is going to be a first for the Lahore Zoo. In Sheikh’s words, “This hologram-based attraction will provide visitors with a fantastic interactive experience. Thanks to our partnership with private companies, we’ve created 3D cinemas that have the technology that offers wildlife simulations. In a VR experience, the visitors will feel as though they are in a jungle where they are surrounded by wild animals.”

A marine and freshwater aquarium is also in the works. According to Sheikh, the upgraded zoo offers students great opportunities for research. “Those interested in studying marine life or freshwater fish will find here everything they need.”

When asked about literature or brochures, he says work on these resources is in progress.

W

hile the renovation work and the installation of a selfie point near the giraffe enclosure are commendable, some areas have been clearly neglected.

One of the zoo’s best loved features — the lions enclosure — has been converted into a tunnel with glass windows, and rechristened the Lion House. The purpose is to let the visitors observe the fabled king of jungle up close. “The lion comes so near to the glass that you will almost have an immersive experience of observing wildlife,” Sheikh says. However, the Lion House is drawing criticism for its design. Instead of a seamless glass wall, it boasts concrete walls with glass windows that afford you but partial view of the enclosure.

Similarly, the Monkey House now features glass walls instead of the old iron rods, for better visibility. However, it can accommodate only a couple of monkeys compared to the previous facility which could house a dozen. As a result, the enclosure gives a deserted look.

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The delays in opening of the amphitheatre and Holo Verse have left the visitors questioning the planning of the related departments. In November 2023, when the then caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi laid the foundation of the zoo upgrade, he announced plans to introduce 100 new animals, including pandas, hippos, rhinoceroses, black jaguars and pumas. He also spoke of launching e-ticketing. Over a year later, you don’t see a panda at the zoo, nor do you have e-ticketing.


Ahsan Malik is a media veteran interested in politics, consumer rights and entrepreneurship

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