22 Sep 2014
Pakistani government announces first phase redevelopment of country's zoos and wildlife parks
BY Tom Anstey
The Pakistani government has announced plans to upgrade facilities at Lal Sohanra National Park, Lahore Zoo and Safari Park to bring the visitor attractions up to scratch with international standards as part of a nationwide initiative.
Speaking at a press briefing, the government’s Wildlife and Parks Department director general Nayyar Iqbal said that the attractions would be turned into environmentally-friendly and commercially viable resorts and safaris.
He went on to say that the country’s wildlife resorts had the potential to attract international and domestic tourists, assuming they could be brought up to standard.
The project will be carried out in multiple phases, with the Pakistani government initially looking to promote zoos and wildlife parks through improved visitor amenities.
The department is also planning to introduce more "human-friendly" animals that can safely interact with young children.
The revamps of Lahore Zoo, Lahore Safari Park and Bahawalpur’s Lal Sohanra National Park will be carried out during the first phase of the strategy, with each undergoing a full facelift, along with the attractions becoming “model facilities” for the rest of the country.
Iqbal said that the department has started development of a financial and strategic business plan in addition to the conduction of a feasibility study. It is also conducting a study to survey wildlife sites across the Punjab. He said the survey would also identify potential wildlife attractions in Pakistan.
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