Kathmandu, October 11:

Unlike in the past, the Central Zoo, the only zoo in the country, remains open throughout the week.

Responding to request from people, the National Trust for Nature Conservation — which has been looking after the zoo since 1995 — and the management of the zoo took a decision to this effect in September. Earlier, the zoo used to remain closed on Mondays.

RK Shrestha, director of the zoo, said the number of visitors increased drastically during the last fiscal — one million people visited the zoo during that period.

Restoration of peace has increased people’s interest in leisurely activities, including the interest in wildlife, he said, adding, “If we are closed for a day, over 3,000 people will be deprived of the chance to visit the zoo. That is why we decided to remain open throughout the week.”

The data of the zoo shows that over 3,000 people visit the zoo on an average day. “Due to Monday closing, many people visiting Kathmandu for a short period were deprived of the opportunity to visit the zoo. Acting on their complaints, we took this move,” Bimal K Baniya, member-secretary of the NTNC, said.

He said this move will give more and more people a chance to be close to nature. The zoo has been a favourite recreational spot for valley denizens. Data show that over 35,000 people visited the zoo on the day of Bhote Jatra last year.

Moreover, the zoo has been a source of knowledge on wildlife for students and researchers.