Eid holidays draw crowds to zoos, parks

LAHORE:

The Lahore Zoo, Safari Zoo Lahore and Bahawalpur Zoo have been significantly upgraded, making them highly attractive destinations.

Despite the scorching heat, 87,920 people visited these zoos during the three days of Eidul Azha, generating around Rs10 million in revenues.

Visitors included women, children, the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Tourists showed immense interest in the newly introduced species of deer, monkeys, parrots and other rare birds. The Lion Safari and Tiger Safari were particularly popular.

The new aquariums, food courts, fun land, Salt Range, and Night Safari facilities were thoroughly enjoyed, with visitors appreciating the recent upgrades.

Wildlife Director General Mudassar Riaz Malik stated that wildlife parks and zoos under the department's administration are being made even more attractive for the public, ensuring all possible facilities for tourists.

During the Eid holidays, Lahore Zoo, Safari Park, and other recreational spots witnessed a huge crowd.

Thousands of people gathered at the Wagah Border to watch the flag-lowering ceremony and the impressive parade of Pakistan Rangers Punjab. The Lahore Fort, Lahore Museum, Greater Iqbal Park, and Jallo Park were also crowded.

The Eid celebrations seemed incomplete without visiting these places. On Eid, citizens sacrificed animals according to the Sunnah of Ibrahim and also enjoyed delicious food at home.

Meanwhile, Lahore's recreational spots, especially the Lahore Zoo, attracted a huge crowd. The zoo, which was reopened to the public on the first day of Eid after a seven-month closure, became the center of attention. People were eager to see the new design and construction of the zoo but also missed the presence of new animals and birds.

Citizens said that if new animals were brought in, it would have added to the joy.

According to the Lahore Zoo administration, the zoo was partially opened due to the persistent demand of citizens. The response from citizens was very good, with 4,700 people visiting on the first and second day of Eid, and a significant number also visiting on the third day.

The Lahore Safari Park on Raiwind Road was also a major attraction for tourists.

Citizens enjoyed the deer safari on electric vehicles and also took a tour of the lion safari in special vehicles.

For the first time, a night safari was also launched at the Lahore Safari Zoo between 8:00pm to 10:00pm.

Tickets for the night safari are priced at Rs1,000 for adults and Rs500 for children. If a citizen wants to feed the lions with their own hands, they will have to pay an additional Rs1,000.

Children enjoyed the electric swings in Safari Zoo, Gulshan Iqbal Park, Greater Iqbal Park, and Jallo Park, and had a great time. They jumped and played in the jumping castle and enjoyed themselves. According to Tanveer Ahmed Janjua, Deputy Director of Safari Park, around 9,800 tourists visited the park on the first and second day of Eid, and a large number also visited on the third and last day.