Flora and fauna from four continents to beautify zoo

According to the survey,there are 5,591 trees on the zoo premises. While there are 273 species of shrubs,herbs and climbers in the zoo,there are 132 species of trees — Indian as well as exotic. “There are several trees that are decaying and need attention. We will take the trees from the NDMC,Forest ministry and our own nurseries to make up for the deficiency.

The initiative has been taken,keeping July’s Van Mahautsav celebrations in mind. While the focus was on planting shrubs and climbers earlier,this year the spotlight has fallen on planting more trees. “The zoo was built more than 50 years ago,and in recent times,we have noticed that many trees have started decaying,” the official added.

R A Khan says that the concept of dividing the zoo into four distinct zones was introduced when it was built in 1959. At that time,the zoo has species from all over the world,and each enclosure had trees that belonged to the region from where the animal was brought. However,the animals died over the years,and there no longer was a reason for maintaining the demarcation.

However,with the masterplan expected to come soon,the zoo plans to re-introduce the concept. “Even now,Autralian birds such as Emu has Acacia and Eucalyptus trees surrounding them,but there is a need for planting more trees,” said Khan.