World Bank to grant Rs 35 crore to Visakhapatnam zoo

Meanwhile, the authorities said they have already started planning the projects. The first project would be the safari park that is to be made in an area of 30 hectares of land, which lies opposite the zoo and serves as an Animal Rescue Centre (ARC) for rescued circus animals. This area will soon be transformed into a safari park for either lions or tigers.

The second project proposed is the saltwater aquarium, which will be constructed at the deserted dolphinatorium near the zoo. According to the plan, the aquarium will have acrylic or glass tunnel through which visitors would see the marine life. "We need experts on marine life, glass technology and many other fields to complete the project," said Vizag zoo curator G. Ramalingam.

Also on the list of the authorities is the captive breeding of three new species - Mouse Deer, Fishing Cat and Rusty Spotted Cat. These species belong to the scheduled I and scheduled II animals under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Speaking on the issue of captive breeding, Mr Ramalingam told DC that these animals, not long back, were spotted in ample numbers around the wilderness of the city and other spots of AP. However, their numbers have come down now. “We need extra enclosures and also repair the old ones to carry out these projects," said Mr Ramalingam adding that a part of the fund would also be used for general maintenance of other facilities at the zoo.