Kathmandu, January 17

Officials at the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation in association with National Trust for Nature Conservation and other stakeholders have started demarcation of boundary for construction of the proposed international standard zoological garden in Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur.

As per the government’s long-term plan to relocate Central Zoo from Jawlakhel to Surya Binayak, big mammals would be shifted to the new zoological garden in the first phase.

The Central Zoo lacks spacious ground for big animals. “Currently, four corner demarcation of the land spreading over an area of 245 hectares is under way,” an official informed.

The new zoo will be equipped with animal-friendly modern facilities such as zoological garden, recreational centres and animal care centres.

Officials said the government would develop the zoo and zoological garden in such a way that large and endangered wild animals and birds can be protected.

The land covers seven community forests of Suryabinayak, and Gundu, Sipadol and Katunje VDCs.

The locals have also been extending necessary cooperation to the government and the project is expected to complete within two years.

The Central Zoo is spread over only six hectares of land with mammals, avians, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic species cohabiting within a limited space.

Officials said bigger animals like tiger, rhino, bear, leopard, elephant, crocodile, hippopotamus, donkey, zebra, lion, sloth bear and water buffalo would be shifted to the new facility once it is set up.

Larger animals feel comfortable in bigger enclosures for breeding, habitation and grazing, he said.

The Central Zoo has not been able to bring new animal species, rescued wild animals or endangered animals and birds due to lack of space.