PESHAWAR, April 02 (APP): The Peshawar Zoo saw a vibrant surge of visitors on the third day of Eid-ul-Fitr, with families, especially children, flocking to the wildlife sanctuary to celebrate the joyous occasion amid funfair and excitement.
\nThe excitement was palpable as kids, accompanied by their parents, explored the zoo\u2019s diverse collection of wild animals and enjoyed the serene, lush environment.
\nThe zoo\u2019s expansive layout, set on 29 acres near the University of Peshawar, boasts Pakistan\u2019s largest collection of native and exotic wildlife.
\nAt the entrance, impressive statues of an elephant and a giraffe capture the attention of visitors, sparking curiosity from those passing by Rahatabad Road.
\nAmong the delighted visitors was Anaya Khan, a 9-year-old student from Nowshera district, who couldn\u2019t contain her joy after visiting the zoo for the first time.
\n\u201cSeeing wild animals like the cobra snake, lion, falcons, and giraffes with my own eyes was a dream come true today,\u201d said Anaya, beaming with excitement.
\n\u201cA big thank you to my papa for fulfilling my childhood dream today.\u201d Like many others, Anaya was also taken aback by the zoo\u2019s efforts to provide a natural habitat for the animals, as well as the well-maintained facilities for visitors.
\nThe zoo\u2019s wide array of wild species remained the center of attention, with children and families captivated by the lions, bears, tigers, giraffes, and the majestic falcons.
\nVisitors came from far-flung regions such as Khyber, Kohat, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan, Mohmand, and Swabi, as well as the host city, Peshawar. These visitors were warmly greeted by wildlife experts, who provided educational information on the animals.
\nThe zoo, established by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department, is home to a diverse range of animals and birds from across Pakistan.
\nIts exhibits, such as the large eagle enclosure, where brown and black eagles soar, are particularly popular. The zoo also houses zebras, camels, deer, ducks, pheasants, and a variety of birds that intrigue visitors.
\nFor those wishing to explore the zoo in a shorter time, a safari bus is available, while a restaurant provides food services.
\nAdditionally, the zoo offers free rides on swings, camels, and even a miniature train \u2013 all contributing to an enjoyable experience for children.
\nLecturer Sundas, who brought her daughter from Nowshera, praised the zoo as a gift to the people of Peshawar, enhancing both the city\u2019s beauty and the well-being of its residents.
\n\u201cIn the past, I traveled to Islamabad and Lahore to visit zoos. This year, I didn\u2019t need to go anywhere else because Peshawar Zoo has become a great alternative,\u201d she said.
\nSundas, whose children were particularly drawn to the falcons, also emphasized the zoo\u2019s educational value.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s not just a place of entertainment; it\u2019s also an invaluable source of education and research for students of wildlife and zoology,\u201d she added.
\nHowever, she also pointed out areas for improvement, such as the need for proper shelters, shade, and more trees for the animals, as well as better medical facilities for their care.
\nShe suggested the establishment of a testing laboratory on the premises to prevent future illnesses among the animals, as well as a revision of the zoo\u2019s entrance fees, recommending that small children be exempted from the charge.
\nExperts at the zoo also urged visitors to behave responsibly, advising against throwing stones or teasing the animals.
\nThe zoo\u2019s management emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness and urged visitors to cooperate with staff to ensure the zoo remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
\nAs the Eid holidays came to an end, the zoo stood as a symbol of fun, education, and bonding, not just for the people of Peshawar but for visitors from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.
\nIt\u2019s clear that the Peshawar Zoo has become more than just a wildlife sanctuary; it\u2019s now an integral part of the region\u2019s cultural and social fabric.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR, April 02 (APP): The Peshawar Zoo saw a vibrant surge of visitors on the third day of Eid-ul-Fitr, with families, especially children, flocking to the wildlife sanctuary to celebrate the joyous occasion amid funfair and excitement. The excitement was palpable as kids, accompanied by their parents, explored the zoo\u2019s diverse collection of wild animals […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-470176","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n