20000320

Lahore Zoo earns

Rs 3,16,953 during

two Eid holidays

LAHORE: The Lahore Zoo earned a gate revenue of Rs 3,16,953 during two holidays of Eid-ul-Azha.

Lahore Zoo Director, Dr Arshad Haroon Toosi told APP here on Sunday that Rs 80,557 sale of tickets was registered on the Eid day from a total of 23,844 visitors, of which 14,657 were adult and 10,188 children.

He said while on March 18, the second day of Eid commonly called as "Tarru," 37,048 people visited the zoo, of which 25,546 were adult and 11,502 were children and they bought Rs 2,36,396 tickets. He was expected to receive a record number of visitors on the third day of Eid popularly known as "Marru".

Dr Toosi said the cages of tigers, lions and monkeys were the centre of attraction for all visitors especially for children. The majority of visitors enjoyed the tricks by monkeys.

He said wildlife guides were deployed at various important points and near the cages of lion and tigers to provide necessary information to visitors about the wild animals, birds and their habits, average life span and food etc.

Staff distributed free of cost leaflets and stickers relating to Lahore Zoo describing history and origin of wildlife wealth among the desirous people for their knowledge.

He said special additional tickets counters Ñ four each for male and female Ñ were established on either sides of the Zoo to facilitate the visitors. He said foolproof arrangements were made to check the pilferage of revenue. Staff was strictly directed to take care the visitors and make their stay at Zoo comfortable, pleasant and enjoyable.

Dr Toosi said the provision of an ambulance equipped with latest gadgets in the premises of the Zoo, in case of any emergency to provide quick medical aid, was also available for visitors. He said security guards of Lahore Zoological garden along with contingent of police were deployed in and around the Zoo premises.

He said canteen and cafeteria contractors were strictly warned to serve hygienic food to visitors and charge the prices of the food stuff as laid down in the contract failing which their contracts would be cancelled besides confiscation of security.ÑAPP