12,000 visitors at central zoo in a single day on Bhotojatra

Kathmandu, May 25: As many as 12,000 people have visited the central zoo, today, thanks to the Bhotojatra festival, which is observed today itself.

The central zoo located at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur seized the moment to draw the Bhotojatra observers gathered nearby. The zoo allowed entry at 50 percent discount today.

Information officer at the zoo, Ganesh Koirala, shared that the zoo draws 3,000 visitors in normal time, which saw a record number today.

For the normal time, a visitor pays Rs 200 for entry, which was managed at Rs 75 today.

The sanctuary recording huge financial problems owing to coronavirus for nearly three years has gradually witnessed an increase in the number of visitors lately. It has aimed at yearning Rs 200 million this year while it was only around Rs 140 million in the previous years.

"Once we see the visitors in the present number, it will not be difficult for us to meet the income target," said Koirala.

Currently, there are a total of 1,068 animals and birds of 110 species. Tiger, bear, leopard and red panda are major attractions.

Among the total species, 33 are mammals, 61 are avian, and 17 are fishes. Similarly, among 38 endangered species, the zoo has protected 15 species.

A foreign visitor is charged Rs 750, while those from SAARC countries are allowed entry at Rs 500. The students and senior citizens are allowed entry at Rs 90.

Then Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher had set up the zoo in 1932. It is now run by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. (RSS)