LAHORE, Sept 2: Like in the past the Lahore Zoo remained a major attraction for people on Eid, with the newly-constructed aviary drawing crowds.

The aviary spreads over an area of 7,000 square feet and has more than 200 colourful birds like pheasants, peafowls and pigeons. Some minor developmental work on the aviary is still under process however it has been opened to the public.

“We shall add parrots such as Macaws and other birds to the aviary in the next few months,” Lahore Zoo Director Zahid Iqbal told Dawn.

Mr Iqbal said the aviary was part of the Lahore Zoo master plan and the other projects included in it also would be completed in the stipulated period (2012).

Thousands of people enjoyed watching a variety of birds during Eid holidays. According to the director some 35,000 or so people visited the Zoo on Wednesday, almost 67,000 on the second day and 55,000 or so on Friday.

He said special arrangements were made to facilitate the visitors. The police and bomb disposal squads were deputed and workers of Hilal-i-Ahmer also served the people.

The visitors were provided ample space for parking. Scanners were installed at entrance gates and security staff of the Zoo had been directed to perform their duty with extra vigilance, he said.

The Lahore Zoo Safari also attracted thousands of people. Deputy Director Yousuf Pal told Dawn that special arrangements had been made for the public.

Security and emergency services were at their disposal throughout the holidays, he added. Besides 10 police constables and regular staff, 20 wildlife watchers were additionally deputed as special measures to look after an area of 242 acres of Safari.