Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the functioning of Jambu Zoo and discuss expansion plans aimed at enhancing its appeal as a premier tourism destination.
The meeting was attended in person by Chief Wildlife Warden Sarvesh Rai and other senior officials, while Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda, joined via video conferencing.
The Minister noted that Jambu Zoo has quickly become a popular tourist attraction and emphasized the need for focused efforts to unlock its full potential and substantially increase visitor footfall. He stressed that the zoo’s development should be guided by a vision to transform it into a world-class destination through sustainable practices and innovative visitor amenities.
Rana urged officials to devise strategies to boost attendance during the summer months, which typically see a drop due to high temperatures.
He suggested incorporating climate-responsive features such as shaded recreational areas, green tunnels, tensile sheds, interactive indoor exhibits, and well-planned promotional campaigns to attract more visitors.
While reviewing ongoing upgrades, the Minister directed concerned departments to coordinate closely to ensure timely and high-quality completion of all projects aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. He highlighted the importance of involving all relevant departments for a more integrated and effective development approach.
Animal welfare, he said, must remain a top priority. Officials were instructed to establish a robust monitoring system to ensure proper diet, nutrition, and healthcare for all species, following veterinary guidelines. This includes maintaining high standards in food procurement, adhering to feeding schedules, and conducting regular health checks.
Rana also emphasized prioritizing the plantation of fruit-bearing trees within the zoo premises to provide natural food sources for select species, improve biodiversity, enhance habitat quality, and add to the zoo’s ecological and aesthetic appeal.
He further called for implementing green initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, renewable energy adoption, a Zero-Waste Policy, and soil and water conservation measures.
The Minister inquired about the current staff strength and stressed the need for adequate, well-trained personnel to ensure smooth operations, excellent animal care, and an improved visitor experience.
Chief Wildlife Warden Sarvesh Rai presented an overview of existing visitor facilities and outlined ambitious expansion plans. He informed the meeting that 11 new animal enclosures have been completed, with the remaining scheduled for completion by December 2025.
The zoo plans to introduce notable species such as zebras, rhinos, sloth bears, snow leopards, red pandas, primates, and other native and exotic animals. The development blueprint also includes nature trails, elevated walkways, log huts, treehouses, themed rest zones, a toy train for children, and a smart zoo management system.
A major upcoming attraction will be a Fossil and Dinosaur Park, designed to offer an educational and entertaining experience. An immersive AR/VR setup will also be installed, enabling visitors to explore extinct and rare species in a simulated environment.
Additionally, supervised feeding sessions with select species are planned to enhance visitor engagement.
The meeting also revealed plans to launch a Night Safari, alongside seasonal themed events, aimed at diversifying visitor experiences, extending operational hours, and boosting tourism and revenue at the zoo. (Agencies)
