Special viewing of nocturnal species in Assam zoo soon

Guwahati: The night sky and atmosphere will be created in Assam state zoo during daytime to give an opportunity to visitors to view the nocturnal species.
A special enclave for several nocturnal species of birds and animals has been constructed inside the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden here, which will be opened for visitors later in January.
Revealing this at a press conference here on  Sunday, state Forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma said, “Night safari in the zoo will not be possible as it will disturb the other species. We have constructed a special enclave for the nocturnal species and it will have a night-like atmosphere so that visitors during daytime can also view these species.”
Stating that the state Forest department has plans to renovate the zoo, she said besides the renovation of the premise, the cages will be constructed more scientifically. The zoo is currently spread over 170 hectares of land, out of which 50 hectares is for animal display, 30 hectares for the botanical garden and the rest is under natural forest.
Altogether 170 species are currently on display in the zoo. A popular tourist attraction in the city, the zoo recorded over 20,000 footfalls on the first day of the new year on Sunday.
It had generated Rs 1.82 crore in ticket sales alone in the year 2014-15.
The zoo receive funds from various agencies, including ratio expenses from the state Forest department, and allocation from the Central Zoo Authority of India. Meanwhile, she added that public gardens in Assam will get a facelift in the new year and unveiled plans for reviving these gardens to attract tourists as well as increase greenery.
She added that some of these gardens, like the Hornbill garden at Dharamtul in Nagaon, will be given special focus for a facelift on a specific theme.
Brahma further said various natural wildlife spots and water bodies, including those adjoining main city Guwahati, will be developed under various urban greenery schemes. (UNI)