The Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) is helping to revive mini and small zoos that are on the brink of closure. The zoos are now on the course of resurgence.
Some of the zoos in Karnataka are receiving refurbishments thanks to State government agencies, under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). ZAK’s plan sees “bigger zoos adopting smaller zoos” to ensure mini zoos are getting much-needed attention and not going bust.
One example is Gadag zoo in North Karnataka. The zoo was established in 1972 is located at Binkadakatti in Gadag taluk of Gadag district. The zoo attracts around 70,000 visitors annually, yet has remained undeveloped as a result of limited income. It is now undergoing a revival with development works that will boost visitation.
Two major zoos – Mysuru zoo and Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru – were financially stable with good footfall and enough potential to revive smaller zoos. The zoos adopted the Gadag zoo and the Chitradurga zoo, with surplus revenue going towards the smaller zoos.
Gadag zoo saw a walk-through aviary, signage boards, pavements and an administrative block.
The income-expenditure deficit of the zoo was met by the government. In order for zoos to be financially independent, revenue must increase. In order to achieve this, the number of visitors must increase.
B P Ravi, ZAK Member Secretary and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, said: “this fund helped us a lot to take up development works. Infosys also gave Rs 1 crore towards the development of the zoo.
“We have now set our vision to develop Chitradurga and Belagavi zoos. Master plans are awaited. There are plans to raise ₹2 crore towards the development of Belagavi zoo.”
Image courtesy Harshitha Kay via Wikicommons
https://www.ibcworldnews.com/2018/09/18/revival-plan-gets-under-way-for-small-zoos/
