
Lahore Zoo, Safari Park draw record crowds
Thousands of families thronged the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park during the Eid celebrations, turning these recreational spots into hubs of excitement and joy.
The festivities saw children and adults alike marvelling at diverse wildlife and engaging in thrilling experiences.
On the third and final day of Eid, Lahore's popular attractions remained packed, with families relishing the immersive jungle environment at the zoo's HoloVerse experience, which allows visitors to capture 3D images.
Meanwhile, the Safari Park witnessed peak enthusiasm as crowds enjoyed Lion Safari, Tiger Safari, and Deer Safari rides, offering them an up-close encounter with nature's majestic creatures.
Young visitor Ahmed expressed his thrill, saying, "It was amazing! I saw a lion up close for the first time." Another visitor, Fatima, added, "This place is perfect for children – they learn about animals while having so much fun."
Adding to the excitement, the Wild on Beat theatre show at Safari Park captivated audiences. Performers, dressed as wild animals and tribal characters, delivered a strong message about wildlife conservation.
The interactive performance was met with cheers and applause, as children watched in fascination.
However, some visitors at the Lahore Zoo raised concerns over ticket pricing, alleging that entry was bundled into a Rs500 package instead of the standard Rs100 ticket.
Director General of Wildlife, Mudassir Riaz, immediately intervened, directing staff to ensure that visitors were not forced to purchase additional packages and that the standard entry fee remained intact.
Punjab's Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb took notice of the overpricing complaints, reiterating that zoo access should remain at Rs100, while specialized attractions such as the reptile house, aquarium, and hologram show would have separate ticketing. She also noted that a record 35,000 visitors explored the zoo during Eid, acknowledging that some administrative challenges arose due to the overwhelming turnout. She assured the public that improvements would be made to enhance the visitor experience in future events.

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