KARACHI, June 15: The City District Government Karachi will soon induct various species of mammals and birds, which would be brought from several countries, especially from Africa and Sri Lanka.

This was stated by the City Nazim, Naimatullah Khan, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a Safari area at the Safari Park. Visitors will now have a first-hand experience of the natural scenes in the area.

He said that Safari Park occupies significance as it was one of its kind all over the Pakistan. The Nazim further said that a committee had been constituted to examine the issues pertaining to the park and it would soon come up with solutions to problems confronting the park.

District Officer Mohammad Mansoor Kazi said the land of Safari Park, stretching over 407 acres, was acquired in 1970 and a plan was chalked out in 1984 and 11 enclosures for animals were constructed in 1996.

Safari Area has presently over 500 mammals and 200 birds of 12 local and imported species. 9 further said that lion and zebra enclosures would be established next year while lift-chair has also been planned, with the cooperation of the private sector.

He urged the wildlife protection departments of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan to take measures for saving the species and informed that an exchange of animals from Lahore, Bhawalpur and Islamabad zoos was also under way.

He said that five Safari coaches for visitor would be operated charging a fare ranging between Rs10 and 20 for people in different age groups. Mansoor Qazi said that the park was also facing an acute water shortage and it would aggravate with the passage of time as around 100 to 125 animals give birth every year. Besides internal security system is also being strengthened to avoid theft of animals. -PPI