Notwithstanding the glitzy recreational options that have come up in recent times, the Nehru Zoological Park continues to retain its charm as the most favoured choice for a day out in the city.
The zoo that joined the two million visitors’ club last year looks to score more this time around. Between April and December, 2012, the facility played host to more than 21 lakh visitors and looks poised to cross the mark of 26 lakh visitors by March this year.
Spread over 380 acres, the zoo was visited by 22 lakh people in 2011-2012. It was the highest annual visitor turnout in the history of the zoo, which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee in November.
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The zoo officials now look forward to setting a new record. The number of visitors is expected to cross the 26 lakh mark or even touch 27 lakh by March, says P. Mallikarjuna Rao, Director, Zoos, adding, “It will almost mean a 20 per cent increase.”
As on Friday, a total of 21,50,000 people have visited the facility since April last year. “During the corresponding period last year (April, 2011 to March, 2012), the figure stood at 17 lakh-plus, which means an increase of nearly four lakh visitors,” he says.