With plans underway to modernise Jijamata Udyan, better known as Rani Baug, a guided tour through the city zoo at Byculla may just be added to the list.
With the renovation having just begun, Chandrashekhar Rokde, deputy municipal commissioner, said he wants to make some changes. “When I first came to the zoo, I could not find the way to my office,” he said. “I decided then that some changes need to be made.”
According to the national zoo policy, all zoos in the country should work for wildlife conservation and conduct educational activities to create an interest in wildlife. The main reason to start guided tours is to create awareness, said AL Paranjape, the zoo’s public relations officer. Initially, the tours will be conducted for students and teachers. Later, tours for the public will follow.
Other changes on the anvil include putting up signages and maps. There will be directional signages as well as animal information boards. “Many are ignorant about the habits and habitat of animals. These boards will help them,” said Paranjape. There will also be signboards on zoo ethics.
Students of the Bombay Veterinary College have been asked to volunteer for environment-enrichment activity. Activities for the animals will also be arranged.
In the first phase of mordernisation, an education centre is going to be set up.
