This summer the Coimbatore Corporation Zoo at VOC Park will have a better look and amenities for visitors as various works worth Rs. 95 lakh that are underway is expected to be completed by the first week of April. Efforts are also underway to buy exotic imported birds to make the 51-year-old zoo more attractive.
Last month, the corporation started footpath renovation and repair works on the enclosure for monkeys and birds at Rs. 20 lakh. Later, the corporation council passed a resolution for carrying out more works at an estimated Rs. 75 lakh. The new works commenced last week.
Works to be carried out under the additional investment include repairing the cages and enclosures for fox, deer, snake, camel, peacock and crocodile. Among amenities for visitors, water purifiers are to be installed and a structure where children coming on school tours can have lunch.
After inspecting the works on Thursday, Mayor P. Rajkumar told The Hindu that with the funds they are planning to bring exotic birds to the zoo in consultation with the Forest Department and compliance with the norms of the Central Zoo Authority of India.
It will increase the animal heads in the zoo. Now, the zoo has 497 animals and birds that include 355 birds, 90 mammals and 52 reptiles.
“When the relocation takes place, the existing zoo on 3.75 acres will be converted into an aviary,” he said.