Zoo to offer more thrilling, educational experience for wildlife enthusiasts
NORTHLINES CORRESPONDENT
JAMMU: Jambu Zoo is all set for a grand expansion aimed at attracting a surge of tourists this year. The Zoo administration has initiated an ambitious plan to introduce a range of exotic animals from other states, promising an unforgettable experience for visitors. By April, the zoo will welcome four captivating species—Wolf, Jackal, Civet Cat, and Ostrich. Their shelters are nearly complete, ensuring a comfortable and natural environment for the newcomers.
However, the zoo’s vision extends far beyond this. By the end of the year, Jambu Zoo plans to bring in a dozen more fascinating species, including hyena, fishing cat, Indian gaur, fox, hippo, and barking deer. A total of 13 new enclosures are under construction to accommodate these animals. In addition, special habitats for birds and a stunning new aviary are being developed to enhance the visitor experience.
In a major boost to these expansion plans, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has allocated a substantial Rs 125 crore in the recent budget. This funding will play a crucial role in upgrading the zoo’s infrastructure and introducing more attractions, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
At present, Jambu Zoo is home to approximately 150 wild animals, featuring majestic Bengal tigers, lions, bears, crocodiles, porcupines, and a diverse collection of snakes and pythons. Emu birds also thrive here, although they currently share habitats with other species. The upcoming expansion will resolve this by providing dedicated enclosures for emus and barking deer, ensuring they are showcased more effectively.
The introduction of a pair of Bengal tigers and lions last year proved to be a massive draw, significantly boosting tourist numbers. During winter, the zoo recorded an impressive footfall of around 3,000 visitors in a single day. With the arrival of new animals and enhanced facilities, Jambu Zoo is poised to become a top tourist attraction in Jammu, offering a thrilling and enriching experience for wildlife lovers and families alike.
An official of Jambu Zoo informed that the attraction of tourists towards the zoo is steadily rising, with a notable increase in visitors from other states who are spending quality time exploring the diverse wildlife. This growing interest is seen as a highly encouraging trend.
To build on this momentum, the zoo is gearing up for a significant expansion. As part of this plan, several new wildlife species from other states will soon be introduced. Notably, hyenas, jackals, and foxes will be among the first to arrive, followed by hippos, promising to make the zoo even more captivating for visitors. Tourists will not only get to witness these magnificent creatures but also gain in-depth knowledge about them at the state-of-the-art NIC Center established within the zoo.
Additionally, Jambu Zoo features a dedicated theatre where short films about wildlife are screened regularly, enriching the visitors’ experience with fascinating insights into the animal kingdom.
The zoo administration’s relentless efforts aim to further boost tourist footfall and transform Jambu Zoo into a premier wildlife destination in the region. With the ongoing expansion and new attractions on the way, the zoo is poised to offer an even more thrilling and educational experience for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.
