The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will add 55 acres of land to the Capital’s Marghazar Zoo to make new animal enclosures under the approved plan.
The project “Development of Marghazar Zoo, Islamabad” costing Rs 1407.8 million has been divided into five packages. Package-I, including two animals’ enclosures, has already been completed at a cost of Rs 19.37 million while the remaining packages will be completed gradually with the availability of funds. Presently the design of the elephant enclosure has been completed and will be tendered out in current financial year. The design of lion enclosure and animal hospital is in progress.
According to Cabinet Division sources, there is no proposal under consideration of the government to establish new zoo in the Capital.
It may be mentioned that Marghazar Zoo was established in 1978 as a temporary facility on 25 acres area in foothills of Margallah Hills National Park (MHNP). In 2007, the CDA decided to upgrade the existing zoo on modern concepts to improve quality of experience for the visitors, and provide appropriate habitats and living conditions for the wildlife with accepted international standards and education regarding wildlife conservation.
