Around 70,000 people visited the Lahore Zoo on Eid, generating revenue of about Rs 2 million for the Lahore Zoological Gardens administration. The administration earned this revenue under the head of entry fee. Deputy Director Lahore Zoo Mohammad Anwar Maan told Business Recorder Wednesday that the sale of tickets worth Rs 2 million was registered during first two days of Eid, 20 percent higher than the last year.
A large number of families besides individual visitors of every age group visited the Lahore Zoo. The Lahore Zoo had made foolproof security arrangements on the Eid to facilitate the visitors during the Eidul fitr holidays. Special ticket booths, both for men and women were established on entry points of the zoo. The zoo administration ensured proper sanitation arrangements and shady sitting areas. Some of the visitors while talking to this scribe termed the security arrangements as good and exemplary.
He said that first time, on this Eid, Zoo administrator celebrated "Eid Milan" with animals and they gave Eid gifts to the animals. All the animals received Eidi from the Director of the Lahore Zoo, Syed Zafar-ul-Hassan in shape of their food, which was decorated with colorful covers become the source of attraction for the visitors. Herbivore animals were given the beautiful bucket of fruits and milk. While the Omnivore animals were given meat.
The Female Elephant of Lahore Zoo "Suzi" was specially decorated with the beautiful fancy silk cloth, which was the big attraction for the children. Director said that leaflets and stickers relating to Lahore Zoo; describing history and origin of wildlife wealth were distributed free of cost as gift, among the children for 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 visitors about the wild animals, birds and their habits, average life span and food etc. The facility of video film was also available to visitors.
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 Deputy Director said that foolproof arrangements was made to avert any possibility of pilferage, while the staff was directed to take care of the visitors and make their visit to the zoo pleasant and enjoyable. He said that Red Crescent ambulance was stationed at the Zoo with the latest medical facilities in case of any emergency to provide quick medical aid to visitors.
He said that reserve police and bomb disposal unit was 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.