Lalitpur, January 10:

The only central zoo of the country situated at Jawalakhel is yet to give up its traditional image and acquire the shape of a modern life garden of nature’s precious gift. Lack

of adequate budget and government’s apathy towards its development are major obstacles in the development of the zoo.

The Central Zoo had once opened as a private menagerie of the then Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher. However, the zoo has not been able to address the need of time and upgrade its facilities.

The National Trust for Nature Conservation (formerly King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation) took over the management of the zoo on lease contract for 30 years. It formulated a master plan in 2001 to develop its physical infrastructure and to turn it into a suitable habitat for animals.

“The budget to implement the master plan was estimated to be Rs 405.5 million ($5.95 million) in 2001,” said RK Shrestha, director at the Central Zoo.

“If the government considers to implement the plan, we can follow international practice by encouraging interested private parties to adopt animals, invest in the construction of their habitats,” said Shrestha, adding this gives a sense of responsibility and raise awareness of wildlife conservation among public.

The master plan has identified various approaches including treatment of animals from a welfare point of view, ensuring their privacy and rights. The closed iron bars would be changed into

spacious area making the display landscape to stimulate the natural habitats of the

animals. Subtle barriers for the displays, such as hedges, electric wires and glass warehouse would be used to promote a feeling of larger space and free environment for animals, he said.

As per the plan, the Zoo management would make provision for a number of modern facilities such as audio-visual displays, petting zoo and an auditorium to conduct the educational programmes to create awareness on wildlife conservation as well as an amphitheatre for staging animal shows.