Night Safari and New Species to Enhance Visitor Experience at Jambu Zoo
SRINAGAR: Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, today chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the operations of Jambu Zoo and discuss plans for its expansion to strengthen its status as a premier tourism destination.
The meeting included Commissioner Secretary of Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda (joining via video conference), Chief Wildlife Warden Sarvesh Rai, and other senior officials.
The Minister acknowledged Jambu Zoo’s rapid rise as a key attraction and underscored the importance of targeted efforts to fully realize its potential and substantially increase visitor numbers. He emphasized that the zoo’s development should be driven by a vision to establish it as a world-class facility through sustainable practices and innovative visitor amenities.
Rana urged officials to devise strategies to boost attendance during the typically slow summer months, when high temperatures tend to deter visitors. He suggested incorporating climate-adaptive features such as shaded recreational areas, green tunnels, tensile structures, interactive indoor exhibits, and well-planned promotional campaigns to attract more guests.
Reviewing ongoing upgrades, the Minister directed all concerned departments to coordinate closely to ensure timely and quality completion of projects that will enrich the visitor experience. He highlighted the need for integrated collaboration across departments for more effective outcomes.
Animal welfare remains a top priority, Rana stressed. He instructed officials to implement a robust monitoring system to ensure proper diet, nutrition, and healthcare in accordance with veterinary guidelines. This includes maintaining high standards in food procurement, adhering to feeding schedules, and conducting regular health checks.
Further, he called for the plantation of fruit-bearing trees within the zoo to provide natural food sources for certain species, enhance biodiversity, improve habitats, and contribute to the zoo’s ecological and aesthetic appeal.
The Minister also emphasized green initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, renewable energy adoption, a Zero-Waste Policy, and soil and water conservation measures. He inquired about staffing levels, stressing the importance of adequate and well-trained personnel to maintain smooth operations, superior animal care, and an improved visitor experience.
Chief Wildlife Warden Sarvesh Rai presented a detailed overview of current visitor facilities and the zoo’s ambitious expansion plans. He noted that 11 new animal enclosures have been completed, with the remaining scheduled for completion by December 2025.
The zoo aims to introduce notable species such as zebras, rhinos, sloth bears, snow leopards, red pandas, primates, and other native and exotic animals. Planned developments also include nature trails, elevated walkways, log huts, tree houses, themed rest areas, a children’s toy train, and a smart zoo management system.
A highlight will be the upcoming Fossil and Dinosaur Park, designed to offer an educational and entertaining experience. An immersive AR/VR setup will allow visitors to explore extinct and rare species in a simulated environment.
Supervised feeding sessions with select animals are also planned to enhance visitor interaction.
Additionally, the meeting revealed plans to introduce a Night Safari along with seasonal themed events to diversify visitor experiences, extend operational hours, and boost both tourism and revenue generation at the zoo.
