MOHALI: The first day of the reopening of the Chhatbir Zoo on Thursday saw 1,100 visitors. The visiting hours were divided into three phases and as per the decision of the Punjab government, Covid-19 SOPs were strictly followed, said zoo field director M Sudhagar.
“Staggered entry was ensured by the zoo administration in the entry plaza. In the first slot, around 100 visitors entered. The number of visitors increased after noon and a total of 1,100 came till 4.30pm. The online booking facility, Wifi hotspot and battery-operated carts were effectively utilized by the visitors,” he said.
Even as some visitors faced difficulties in using online booking, QR code and other cashless transaction methods, the overall response was positive. There were new facilities and amenities such as mom and baby care room, coffee booth, control room, selfie points, touch-free hand wash and sanitizer dispensers.
Sudhagar said, “The visitors were hesitant to move from the tiger enclosure after seeing Amar, Arjun and Dilnoor.”
RK Mishra, chief wildlife warden, Punjab, said the response was more than expected and all precautions were taken keeping in view the safety of visitors, zoo employees, workers and animals. The other zoos of Punjab—Mini Zoo in Patiala, Mini Zoo in Bir Talab, Bathinda, Mini Zoo in Ludhiana and Deer Park in Neelon—will be reopened next week.
A bank team was present to launch the online booking and QR code facilities.