July 02, 2007	Monday	Jamadi-us-Sani 16, 1428

ISLAMABAD, July 1: The Marghzar Zoo would be the first in the country to meet international standards, with the induction of more animals, expansion of its total area and creation of more cages and enclosures for animals, the in charge of the zoo, Raja Javed said. “For the first time, a record allocation of Rs150 million has been made for remodelling of the zoo, which has started,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, some new animals have joined the zoo to attract the public. Among these are zebras, grey parrots from Africa, Brazilian white cockatoo, vervet monkeys, black and white swans from the Netherlands.

These new breeds of animals have become a source of attraction for children and other visitors to the zoo, that witnesses a large numbers of visitors on Sundays.

The in charge of the zoo said in order to meet international standards, the management would have to maintain a proper kitchen, for preparing food for the animals, have a veterinary clinic and ensure proper cages and enclosures for the animals.

In a zoo of an international standard, one has to maintain the same environment and temperature for each animal that they are use to, which is close to their natural habitat.—Staff Reporter