​Vizag zoo witnesses record footfall

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park has witnessed a 69% increase in the number of visitors over the last half decade, taking the number to 7.81 lakh in 2012-13, the largest in its history.
The zoological park also witnessed a 10% increase in revenue collection at the end of the 2012-13 fiscal, taking it to Rs 1.35 crore to make it the highest ever collection.
Operators of sightseeing tours have included zoos in their must-see list, along with places such as Rushikonda Beach and Kailashgiri, in view of the increased interest among tourists in zoos, observed Venkat Seethapathy of Duvvi Travels at Maharanipeta.
“Many tourists have asked us if the zoo has been included in the itinerary,” he said. Bengalis form a large chunk of tourists visiting the zoo, he said, adding that “several people from within the state also visit the zoo.”
The environment attracts visitors, said Nithin Reddy of Ongole, who visited the zoo recently mainly because of his children. “They (children) really love it the most. Seeing tigers so close out in the open is a wonderful experience for kids,” he said.
The zoo also plans to procure endangered species such as fishing cat and pigmy hippo from Sri Lanka. Zoo curator G Ramalingam said that there are plans to bring in four fishing cats (two males and two females) and two pigmy hippos (one male and one female) from Sri Lanka in exchange for 10 black bucks (three males and seven females) and four emus (two males and two females).
The zoo authorities plan to bring in various animals, including international ones, such as three giraffes (one male and two females) from the Negara Malaysian Zoological Society by next month and a rhinoceros on loan from the Hyderabad zoo.
“Talks are on with air cargo handlers to bring the three giraffes from Malaysia,” said Ramalingam. The zoo will be giving away three white tigers in exchange for the three giraffes.
Apart from big attractions such as giraffes, the zoo is also zeroing in on Indian Gaurs, Nilgais (largest Asian antelope) and jungle fowls. The 2012-13 financial year also witnessed the birth of seven wild dog pups and one female hog deer.
To sustain an eco-friendly atmosphere, the zoo plans to double the number of battery operated vehicles from the existing six during the current fiscal.