Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar on Thursday said that Karachi Zoo is being developed as per international standards, as the Sindh government has released funds of around Rs 30 million for the very purpose. Talking to media at Karachi Zoo, the mayor said that assistance has been taken from the IUCN and WWF for the Karachi Zoological and Botanical Garden project.
He said that the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah is taking special interest as he has approved rehabilitation and upgradation project of the zoo. The provincial government has released Rs 30 million for the initial phase of the project which include establishment of Botanical Garden and a wildlife sanctuary.
Project manager Samar Ali Khan, project architect Shahid Saeed Khan, garden horticulturists, zoologists, director general works Shahab Anwar, director recreation Mansoor Qazi and others were also present on this occasion. Mayor said that the visitors could avail free WIFI service in the Zoo quite soon. An underground tank with 0.2 million gallons water storage capacity is also being constructed besides upgradation of boundary walls and entrance gates of the Zoo. The electricity system is also being revamped and washrooms are being constructed to ensure cleanliness in the jurisdictions of the recreational facility.
For the first time, Waseem said that cages are being replaced with latest and model enclosures so that pets and animals can live, sleep and move comfortably in a natural environment.