Record turnout registered in Mysore zoo

Mysore, Apr 16 (UNI) Crossing a major milestone, the century-old Mysore zoo registered a record visitor turnout during 2006-07 since its inception in 1892, with the number exceeding two million.

Zoo Executive Director Ranga Rao, in a release here today, said that the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden earned a revenue of Rs 4.51 crore during the period. The figures had surpassed the previous best of 16.91 lakh visitors and Rs 3.24 crore revenue in 2005-06.

He said the increase in the number of tourists and revenue during the last three years was the result of enriched animal enclosures, better healthcare management, improved facilities and education programme, along with the Government's policy of promoting tourism.

The zoo saw a record turnout during the famous Dasara fest last year when 1.04 lakh tourists visited the zoo, earning a revenue of Rs 25.10 lakh. Last year, 112 animals and birds were adopted by the public by way of expressing their support to conservation.

Mr Rao said Mysore zoo, which had a history of procuring exotic animals from around the world, was awaiting the clearance of the Central Zoo Authority to get two pairs of manned wolves from the Frankfurt zoo. The zoo was getting ready to receive a female giraffe from the Lucknow zoo that would pair up with the two male giraffes here and help in breeding programme. In exchange, the Mysore zoo would send a pair of chimpanzee to the Lucknow zoo from the seven that were here. A pair of zebra and two sarus cranes would be added to the collection here.

UNI