The expansion work of the Marghazar Zoo at a cost of Rs 1.4 billion is likely to start this month, Business Recorder learnt here on Monday. Talking to this scribe officials of Capital Development Authority (CDA) said that it is a three-year project and have three phases; however its second phase has been approved recently.
"The first phase costing Rs 632 million comprising construction of pathways for the public, animal enclosures, boundary walls and service roads whereas in the second phase further animal enclosures would be added along with bird aviaries and wetlands. In the third phase facilities like hospital for animals, restaurants, administrative block and new entrance would be provided.
The unique thing about the zoo is that the animals will be kept in open areas whereas; the visitors will use the elevated walkway to view them. Sharing the details of the project the officials said that the Marghazar Zoo was set up in 1978 as a small facility, but has grown over the years in size accommodating number of animals.
For this project the area of the zoo would be extended from its current 25 to 82 acres besides this expansion the zoo would also have the facility of the modern hospital for treating of ailing animals.
The hospital would provide all sorts of facilities like operation theatre, OPD, surgical ward, laboratories and etc. "Besides this computerised ticketing, public address systems and expansion of parking area would also be a part of the zoo's up-gradation", officials added. The officials said that the zoo administration has collected Rs 3.1 million yearly through the income of entry fee. Therefore it has been decided that this fund would be utilised in the maintenance of the zoo. The zoo would be built according to standards laid down by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and would bring modern zoo culture in the country.
The authorities also plan to acquire new animals mainly through exchange and donations with 75 percent of the animals at the facility being local and 25 percent exotic. "Currently there are 60 species in the zoo, which would be increased to 220 after the expansion", officials added.