A brand new Delhi Zoo by the Commonwealth Games

“The idea is to give the visitors a modern experience”

One of the oldest zoological gardens in the country, Delhi Zoo will undergo a makeover as part of the Commonwealth Games initiative. If all goes as planned, two AC food courts, a souvenir shop, new sign boards and an ATM facility would be added to the zoo.

“After Delhi Zoo officials approached us stating the need for a major refurbishment in preparation for the upcoming Games, the Ministry wrote to the Games Committee about the proposal. If approved this would be one of the biggest modernisation exercise that the zoo will undergo,” said a senior Environment Ministry official.

“The Delhi Zoo has been asked to come up with a modernisation plan. Tourists are expected to throng the city during the Games and we are looking at putting up improved signage, modernisation of cloak room, setting up of an ATM facility and a souvenir shop. Visitors who are expected to come to the zoo can also enjoy refreshments at the two air-conditioned food courts inside the zoo which is part of the proposal. We are also looking at providing improved parking facilities and more guides,” said Delhi Zoo director Anand Krishna.

Delhi Zoo is spread over 780 acres and houses several species of animals and birds. “We are expecting a large number of visitors to be spending at least a day here. The idea is to give them a modern, educational-day-tour kind of an experience. The improvements in the enclosures, however, are an internal matter and would be done in a manner that benefits the inmates the most and look aesthetic. The aim is to finish all the work by September so that we are well prepared for visitors,” said the official.