ISLAMABAD, Dec 31: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to expand the zoo by bringing in more animals, an official of the organization said on Monday.

“We have decided to bring more animals like crocodile, zebra, ostrich, etc,” the official said.

He said the CDA’s directorate of environment had sent a letter to the South Asian Zoo Cooperation (SAZC) for acquiring more animals for the only zoo in Islamabad.

According to the agenda of the SAZC, zoos from different countries can exchange their animals, and those which require more animals, can ask other zoos for animals.

The official said bringing more animals was not a problem, but, before adding more animals, the CDA had to construct cabins, cages and huts for their accommodation and make the zoo self- reliant to meet the expenses.

He said to make the zoo self-reliant, the CDA would have to increase the entry fee, which at present was Rs5 per head. “But, we cannot increase it too much as it will create problems for the families visiting the zoo.”

To a query, the official said some organizations had assured to provide financial assistance for the construction of more cages, cabins, and provision of better facilities for the visitors including an auditorium and a library for the children so that they could learn more about the animals.

The official said it had also been decided to make horse and camel rides at the Marghzar zoo a permanent feature.

He said the animal rides were started on experimental basis, and had been a great attraction for the people visiting the zoo.

“Since the start of horse and camel rides, the number of visitors has increased,” the official said, adding that the CDA would also start elephant ride from next month.

The CDA official said the Authority would invite the private sector to set up cafe and refreshment corners in the zoo.