Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, December 10:
As per the decision of Punjab Government Chhatbir Zoo re-opened on 10/12/2020 with Strict COVID-19 Protocol for the safety of Zoo Visitors, Employees and Animals. Staggered entry was ensured by the Zoo Administration in the entry plaza of Zoo. In the first slot around 100 visitors entered. The number of visitors increased after 12.00 o’clock and totally 1100 visitors visited the Zoo till 04.30 pm today. The online booking facility, Wifi Hotspot and Battery Operated Carts were effectively utilized by the visitors. Even though some visitors faced difficulties in using online booking, QR code and other cashless transaction methods, the overall response of the visitors were very positive. Visitors enjoyed the clean and pollution free environment of Zoo. The visitors showed Apart from this, visitors enjoyed the new facilities and amenities such as Mom & Baby care room, Coffee booth, Control room, Selfie points, Touch free Hand wash and Sanitizer dispensers etc.
The Bank of Baroda Team were present in the Zoo to formally launch the online booking and QR code facilities for the visitors. Mr. Kanwardeep Singh, Senior Manager thanked the Department of Forest & Wildlife Preservation for getting the opportunity to serve in Zoo with the collaboration of Zoo administration. The MyInternet Team also were present in the Zoo to formally launch the Internet and Wifi Hotspot facilities for the visitors. Mr. Navjot Singh thanked the Department for providing them opportunity to get associated with Zoo administration.
Dr. M. Sudhagar, IFS, Field Director, Chhatbir Zoo said that the response of visitors were positive and the visitors were hesitant to move from the Tiger Enclosure after seeing the Amar, Arjun and Dilnoor. He also said that the visitors felt safe in the Zoo and were properly informed and guided.
Mr. R.K. Mishra, IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden, Punjab shared that the response of visitors for the reopening of Chhatbir Zoo were more than expected. All the safety precautions were taken as per the COVID-19 norms keeping in view of safety of visitors, Zoo employees, workers and animals. Accordingly, the other Zoos of Punjab viz Mini Zoo-Patiala, Mini Zoo Bir Talab-Bathinda, Mini Zoo-Ludhiana and Deer Park-Neelon will also be reopened next week for visitors.
