Visakhapatnam: Zoo bounces back with improved strategies

Visakhapatnam: After enduring a severe blow in terms of revenue generation, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) is gradually recouping the losses incurred.

From recording zero revenue when the gates of the zoo remained closed for almost eight months to earning revenue of about Rs 45 lakh since its reopening last month, IGZP is bouncing back with improved strategies, tiding over the pandemic-induced economic crisis.

Considering better alternatives, the focus has now been shifted to devising ways to run the zoo with the sources available. "Feeding animals itself takes a lot of money every month. Managing them alone turned out to be more challenging during the lockdown period and subsequent months," recalls Nandani Salaria, curator of the IGZP.

However, the curator is keen on redefining the zoo for the people to look forward to revisiting it. In line with this, the IGZP will get a souvenir and outreach centre soon. "The idea is to encourage visitors to view zoo beyond a picnic spot. Visitors should learn something and carry along with them when they go back home. Such practice is common in foreign countries. Souvenirs act as a very important memory of the place you have been to. This way, the zoo acts more as a conservation education centre rather than just a picnic destination," elaborates Nandani Salaria.

Along with the focus on maintenance works and existing infrastructure improvements, the IGZP is coming up with a lengthy list of souvenir items to put up in an improvised format. The list includes T-shirts and a range of eco-friendly products.

As a part of the revenue generation initiatives, the zoo is also laying emphasis on animal adoption and building connection between the public and animals through a slew of animal engagement programmes.

With better landscaping, improved butterfly park and animal enclosures, IGZP is all set to draw a greater number of visitors in the coming days.