LAHORE: The upgrade and revamping of the Lahore Zoo Safari are being done at a fast pace, and a number of animals have been shif ted to different wildlife parks and zoos in Punjab, officials told Dawn.

Officials said that animals have been temporarily moved to Bahawalpur Zoo and Wildlife parks of Bahawalnagar, Changa Manga in Kasur, Rawalpindi, Joharabad Wildlife Park, and Loie Bhir Wildlife Park.

Among the animals that have been shifted include lions, tigers, blue bulls, monkeys, hog deer, chinkara deer, black bear, ostriches, Sambar deer, and others.

The handling of animals during the shifting process was a delicate and important procedure, and it has been carried out with great care, said the officials.

The safari spans over 245 acres, out of which 50 acres are being developed for public amusement facilities, such as a fish aquarium, zip line, camping area, food court, bird aviary, play land, and other similar facilities.

The lion and tiger safaris are being upgraded and revamped, and a salt range is being developed, featuring a big mountain and two small mountains. The Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department, in light of the chief minister`s directives, closed Lahore Zoo Safari for three months from Nov 10 for its revamp and uplift.

Of ficials mentioned that tentatively, the Safari might reopen in mid-February. The Lahore Zoo was also closed to the public for three months from Nov 7 for the same purpose.

The revamp plan is expected to be completed in two years, with the most immediate and public facility works being carried out in three months, such as the development of an e-ticketing system and the redesigning and rebuilding of animal enclosures.

The Lahore Zoo Safari will be divided into different thematic regions, such as the Salt Range thematic area, desert thematic area, and others. There will be new electric vehicles for the safari. The animal enclosures at the Safari are also being revamped, and new signboards are beingplaced at differentlocations.

The Punjab government claims that it will introduce two pairs of elephants at the Safari. The ongoing project includes the construction of tiger houses, a mammal enclosure, a wildlife rehabilitation centre, and a new high-tech fish aquarium.