Central Zoo's Income of 17.75 Crores; Misses Target

In the financial year 2079/80, the central Zoo located in Jawalakhel earned over Rs. 17 crores 75 lakhs, but fell short of reaching its target.

During the last fiscal year, a total of 10 lakh 86 thousand and 600 people visited the zoo. From these visitors, the zoo reported earnings of Rs. 17.75 crores and 71 thousand. The primary source of income for the zoo is the entrance fees paid by the visitors.

This income marks an increase of Rs. 3 crores compared to the previous financial year. Ganesh Koirala, the zoo's information officer, was quoted as saying that although the zoo had set a target of Rs. 20 crores for the last financial year, it ended up earning Rs. 3 crores less than the intended goal.

In the preceding fiscal year, the zoo welcomed 843,630 visitors and earned Rs. 14,88,42,000.

Over the past three years, the zoo's income had declined due to a decrease in the number of visitors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the fear of Corona subsiding, the zoo is now receiving a record number of observers, with approximately three thousand visitors coming in daily.

The increase in the number of viewers has contributed to higher income this year compared to the previous year.

The zoo charges an entrance fee of Rs. 750 for foreigners, Rs. 500 for visitors from SAARC countries, Rs. 200 for Nepalese citizens, and Rs. 90 for Nepali students and senior citizens.

The revenue generated from these entrance fees is used for managing the zoo, including staff salaries and animal care.

Currently, the zoo houses 1068 animals from 110 different species. Among the main attractions are tigers, bears, leopards, and red bears.

The zoo is home to 33 mammal species, 61 bird species, eight amphibian species, and 17 species of fish.

Out of the 38 rare wild animals listed as endangered in Nepal, the zoo has successfully protected 15.

The zoo was established by the then Rana Prime Minister Shri 3 Juddha Shumsher Janga Bahadur Rana in 1932.

Since 2011, the zoo has been open to the public and has been managed by the National Nature Conservation Fund since 2052.