In what is seen as a bid to boost tourism and sensitise visitors on conservation, the State’s third tiger safari is all set to open near Hampi, a world heritage site.
The tiger and lion safari at Kamalapur, near Hampi, in Ballari district — third after the safaris at Bannerghatta in Bengaluru and Tyavarekoppa in Shivamogga — will be formally launched on June 21.
Built amidst forest conditions, the safari has come up on 40 hectares next to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park, the newest addition of the zoos in the State.
The herbivore safari was launched sometime ago and tourists have started exploring the attraction. It covers around 45 to 50 hectares of land. The zoo is located in around 30 to 40 hectares. Around 145 hectares was allotted to the Zoo Authority of Karnataka for developing the zoo and other attractions.
Four tigers and two lions will be part of the safari and the number is expected to go up once the safari becomes operational. Also, once the zoo is ready, it is likely to be integrated with the safari so that visitors can get access of both.
ZAK member-secretary and APPCF B.P. Ravi, who has drawn up a plan to develop small and mini zoos and add new attractions in North Karnataka region, told The Hindu that the safari is set to improve tourism in the region as it will serve as an added attraction for the visitors of Hampi. “If tourism is improved, it will improve economy and create jobs for the locals,” he said. Two more tigers and lions will be added after the launch, he said. Expressing his wish to develop the Hampi zoo on a par with Mysuru zoo, which is a model for most Indian zoos, Mr. Ravi said 15 enclosures are being constructed at Hampi zoo, which has been formally inaugurated but still not open to visitors.
“Once the enclosures are done and animals are released into it, the place will be thrown open to the public. It may take six more months,” he said.
In addition to the animals from Ballari zoo which will be shut, animals and birds from zoos like Mysuru will be shifted there. The surplus stock will be shifted to the new zoo, he said. Youth Club and other activities will also be held at Hampi zoo for schoolchildren of the region, said Mr. Ravi.
