LAHORE: The Lahore Zoo safari is going to have a two kilometer long zip line which will be some 100 or so feet high, an official tells Dawn.

The zip line starting from the lake and ending near the lion safari will likely to be a major attraction, enhancing the beauty and excitement of the picturesque area. Located at Raiwind Road, Lahore Zoo safari is already a major attraction for visitors. The zip line will provide visitors with a thrilling experience amidst the breathtaking jungle-like look of the safari.

The [zip line] idea is already being praised by those who have had the opportunity to ride it at other places in Pakistan such as mountain valleys. Visitors would be delighted to have a thrilling experience of the zip line, said Deputy Director Lahore Zoo safari Ghulam Rasool.

It would inject a refreshing element into the tourism offerings of the safari which was in need of new and exciting attractions, added Mr Rasool.

He said besides lion safari, the safari [park] now houses a pheasantry of peacocks and another one of chakors.

According to the official, Lahore Zoo safari will award a contract in this regard for a span of five years. The contract conditions will be advertised soon in the print media. The firm which will be awarded the contract will introduce the latest zip line and the staff to maintain it. Less than 12-year-old children will not be allowed to use the zip line. There will be guides and operatives to help visitors. The zip line will cross over the lake offering a picturesque view of the lake and other green fields and pastures of safari.

The lake at safari, the starting point of the zip line, is also of great significance. The major purpose of the lake is fishing and boating; however currently no fishing is taking place there, just boating is on.

The Lahore Zoo safari was earlier called Woodland Wildlife Park; it was established in 1981 over 242 acres. The park was extensively renovated and renamed Lahore Zoo safari on Jan 21, 2009.

The species housed here include Indian peafowl, Bengal tiger, common pheasant, emu, lion, mute swan, nilgai, ostrich and silver pheasant among a few others. The largest walkthrough aviary of Pakistan is located in the safari. The lake is the biggest in the city, complete with four islands. The lake is also a stopover to a number of migratory birds.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2023