LAHORE: A non-ticketed shuttle service will be launched between Lahore Zoo and Zoo Safari for three days, from first day of Eidul Fitar, of ficials told Dawn.

The officials said four buses, adorned with pictures of different animals and birds, would be used for the shuttle service. Three of the buses have been provided for the service by the Trust School System and the fourth one (a mini bus) belongs to the Punjab Wildlife Department, they added.

Zoo Safari Deputy Director Syed Zafarul Hassan Shah told this reporter that the service, first of its kind, would run from 11am to 5pm daily.

`This step has been taken to provide an opportunity to people to visit both places (zoo and safari) simultaneously`, said Mr Shah, adding each bus would have a security guard of wildlife department.

He said since the main Raiwind Road was under construction for the last many months the buses would use alternative route to reach the safari.

Shah said some new animals recently purchased by Zoo Safari would be an added attraction for the visitors. These animals include a trio of white lions (one male, two females), a trio of Bengal tigers (one male three females), a pair of addax and a pair of Oryx and a trio of ostriches (one male three females).

The Lahore Zoo Safari was the only facility in the country having three white lions, he added.

He said for lion and tiger safari tours, two soft-wheel trains with internal locking systems for the safety of visitors had been introduced.

Shah said the Zoo Safari would also organise a threeday Eidgala,featuring swings, face painting and food stalls, especially for children.

He said facilities like water coolers, benches and toilets had been upgraded in view of increased number of visitors to the Safari on Eid.