Lahore zoo visitors face problems

A large number of zoo-lovers have faced difficulties while visiting Lahore zoo due to hustle and bustle of the Eid-ul-Azha, as majority of the visitors have come from outside the city to visit zoo. It may be noted that about 80,000 visitors had visited Lahore zoo on Eid-ul-Fitr, and generated revenue of Rs two million.
While this number dropped substantially on Eid-ul-Azha due to the nature of activity on the Eid day. Director Zoo Syed Zafar-ul-Hassan told Business Recorder that as many as 7,200 people visited Lahore Zoo on the first day of Eid, generating Rs 90,000 of revenue, while administration of zoo earned Rs 2,70000 on the second day of Eid, as 22,000 visitors visited the zoo.
The administration earned this revenue under the head of entry fee. He said that a large number of families besides individual visitors of every age group visited Lahore Zoo whereas Lahore Zoo had made foolproof security arrangements on the Eid to facilitate the visitors. Special ticket booths, both for men and women, were established on the entry points.
The zoo administration ensured proper sanitation arrangements and shady sitting areas. He said that Zoo administrator celebrated "Eid Milan" and on the occasion all animals received Eidi from the Zoo administration in the form of food, which was decorated with colourful covers.
The elephant of Lahore Zoo "Suzi" was specially decorated with the beautiful fancy silk cloth, which was the big source of attraction for the children. Director said that leaflets and stickers relating to Lahore Zoo; describing history and origin of wildlife were distributed free of cost as gift, among the children to enhance their knowledge.
He said that Wildlife guides were also deployed at various important points and near the cages of lion and tigers to provide necessary information to the visitors about the animals, birds and their habits. The cages of tigers, lions and monkeys were the center of attraction for visitors, especially the children who enjoyed each and every action of these animals.
The Director said that Red Crescent ambulance was stationed at the Zoo with the latest medical facilities to provide quick medical aid to visitors in case of any emergency. He said that reserve police and bomb disposal unit were also deployed, to avoid any subversive act, pick-pocketing or act of teasing. "Services of a batch of 10 armed security guards was ordered from the private sector", he added.
Race Course Park, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Sozo Water Park, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, Minar-e-Pakistan, Model Town Park, Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Jahanger's Tomb and National Bank of Pakistan Park Kalma Chowk also attracted thousands of visitors throughout the holidays.