LAHORE, June 28: Now women and girls have the opportunity to not only observe wildlife, colourful birds and various animals at the zoo, but also enjoy henna and bangles available at a newly set up corner in the premises.

There is something for children also as the corner offers them face painting. The corner wears a vibrant look as multi-coloured bangles, other glittering items and green-coloured henna packs attract visiting women.

The story does not end here as the zoo has also initiated a buggy ride. Perhaps in the absence of an elephant ride, zoo officials found it appropriate to replace it with a buggy. According to zoo officials, they stopped the elephant ride in 1999 after the tragic incident when a black Himalayan bear killed an 18-month-old baby. The child, who was with his parents, was trying to shake hands with the caged bear.

Officials told Dawn that to increase the number of visitors and provide them value-added attractions the zoo came up with such entertaining facilities. They said no contract had been signed with anyone for both the buggy ride and henna stalls. Both facilities were on trial basis and the zoo had hired two different parties for the purpose.

The henna sellers would pay Rs1,000 per day to the zoo, while income from the buggy ride would be equally shared between the zoo and buggy owners.

Initially, the henna stall would be set up for two days a week every Friday and Sunday and if successful it would remain open all week. The buggy ride would cost Rs50 for adults and Rs20 for children. The zoo also offers a camel ride.

The officials said the zoo had also initiated the trend of celebrating animals’ birthdays. Schools were invited on these occasions and children cut cakes for the animals and wished them.