Hyderabad zoo set to take visitors closer to tigers

Since inception, visitors to the Nehru Zoological Park (NZP) have caught only glimpses of the tigers behind the fences or playing in the moat from a distance. However, this experience is soon set to change.

In a move to enhance the experience of the visitors, taking them closer to the one of the iconic residents of the zoo, the NZP is set to construct modern glass enclosures for its white tigers’ habitat. These transparent glass barriers will enable the visitors to stand just inches away from the big cats and take a selfie.

The project does not stop with the white tigers. Based on the success, the zoo has planned similar enclosures for other carnivores, including lions and leopards.

“The glass enclosures, which will be on par with international standards, will come up in the existing white tigers’ habitat. The idea behind is to enhance the visitors’ experience in the zoo. We have called for tenders and works will commence shortly. Based on this, glass barriers are planned for other carnivores as well,” Dr Sunil S Hiremath, Director Zoo Parks Telangana,



said.

Apart from enhancing visitors’ experience, the other key reason behind the move to install glass barriers is the zoo deciding to shift from the wet moats to dry moats.

According to the zoo sources, water from the Mir Alam Tank has been seeping into the moats, raising concerns about potential health risk to animals due to pollution. While no animal so far showed signs of illness due to water issues, the zoo has taken up proactive steps.

“Though the water has almost stopped seeping into the zoo, we do not want to take risks. So, it has been decided to go for dry moats,” sources said.

Presently, the glass barriers facility is available at Vantara Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat and Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden, popular as Mysuru Zoo, in Karnataka.

Apart from glass enclosures, the NZP is also planning a tunnel aquarium that enables visitors to walk beneath a panoramic view of marine life. Further, an aviary for domestic and exotic, and an immersive 9D virtual reality experience centre are in the pipeline.