The iconic Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad, one of the oldest zoos in India, is set to receive a significant facelift. As part of a newly revised master plan, the park will undergo extensive modernisation aimed at enhancing visitor experience and animal welfare, with a strong focus on environmental sensitivity. The ambitious upgradation project incorporates several key attractions and infrastructure improvements. A major highlight will be the introduction of a ropeway, which will offer visitors a unique aerial view of the zoo's popular safari park. Also on the cards is an immersive walk-in aviary that allows visitors to experience diverse bird species up close in a more naturalistic environment. The animal enclosures will also see a significant overhaul, with the construction of modern night houses designed to improve comfort, safety, and care for the zoo's residents. "Our goal is to make the safari truly immersive. Instead of isolated sightings, visitors will soon witness the dynamic interactions of full lion prides and groups of bears, engaging in natural behaviours like foraging for strategically hidden meat. It's about bringing their world to life for our visitors," Sunil S Hiremath, Director of Telangana Zoos, told indianexpress.com on Wednesday. According to the officials, approval for these projects is expected to be received within the next three months, and the projects will be operationalised by the end of next year. To bolster environmental sensitivity, an electric toy train will be introduced, replacing the existing diesel train. It offers an eco-friendly and enjoyable mode of transport for visitors to navigate the expansive park. Officials stated that the enhancements are part of a comprehensive strategy to modernise the Nehru Zoological Park, so that it continues to be a leading conservation and recreational hub for future generations. The project underscores the park's commitment to animal welfare and to the millions of visitors it attracts each year. "Since constraints are an issue, we are exploring public-private partnerships for all these projects. The zoo is joining hands with the Musi Riverfront Development project as part of revival of Mir Alam Tank and some of the projects will go in tandem with the Riverfront project," Hiremath said. He said that enhancing the safari experience by showcasing animals in their natural social structures is the aim. The zoo is also actively pursuing a series of inter-zoo animal exchange programs to strengthen the genetic diversity. "This initiative aims to diversify the genetic pool of its animal populations, ensuring a more robust and healthier collection across all species," the director added. The facility is also gearing up to introduce a new attraction by setting up one of the largest aquariums, similar to the renowned aquarium in Singapore. Home to over 2,300 animals representing 194 species, the zoo boasts the largest animal collection in the country and ranks among the biggest in terms of area.
