10 December 2020, Kathmandu
The Jawalakhel-based Central Zoo which was shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic has been reopened by adopting health safety measures.
The central zoo had been shut down since March 24 after the COVID-19 cases spiked in the country. Even though the zoo is reopened, the visitors are not allowed to walk freely as before.
“The Central zoo has been reopened by adopting strict health safety measures since there is still a risk of COVID-19,” said Chiranjibi Pokharel, the chief of the zoo administration.
According to Pokharel, the visitors have to compulsorily wear masks; only 800 visitors are allowed to observe the zoo at a time and have to come out of the zoo within two to two and a half hours. Besides, the visitors are restricted to touch or feed animals during their visit.
The zoo will remain open from 10 am to 5 pm as before. The central zoo has 110 species of 1,068 animals, with tigers, bears, leopards and red habre as the main attractions of the zoo.
The zoo entry fee has been fixed at Rs 750 for a foreigner, Rs 500 for those from SAARC countries, Rs 150 for a Nepali national, and Rs 90 for Nepali students and senior citizens.
Jawalakhel Zoo had been established by then Prime Minister Juddha Shumser Rana.