New Delhi: After being shut for nearly two months, the National Zoological Park, popularly known as the Delhi Zoo, reopened its gates this weekend — and the city turned up in huge numbers to welcome it back.
A Day of Excitement and Long Queues
By mid-morning, the entrance to the zoo was packed. Families with picnic baskets, school groups in uniform, and tourists from across the NCR queued up patiently, eager to see their favourite animals again. The early winter air buzzed with chatter and laughter as children tugged at their parents’ hands, pointing towards the distant roars and calls coming from inside.
Zoo officials said over 8,000 people visited on the first day alone, making it one of the busiest reopenings in recent years. “We weren’t expecting this kind of response, but it feels wonderful,” said Dr. Dharam Deo Rai, Director of the Delhi Zoo. “People have clearly missed this place.”
What Happened During the Closure
The two-month closure, which began in early September, was part of the zoo’s annual maintenance schedule. During this time, several animal enclosures were repaired, pathways were resurfaced, and signage across the park was updated.
According to officials, the focus was on improving animal habitats and making the zoo more comfortable for visitors. “We’ve carried out habitat enrichment for many species and strengthened security and cleaning operations,” Dr. Rai added.
The zoo also introduced a new online ticketing system to cut down waiting time at entry gates and installed QR-coded boards near enclosures to share details about the animals’ origins, diet, and conservation status.
Visitors Notice the Difference
Many regular visitors said the difference was visible right from the entrance. The walkways looked cleaner, the benches freshly painted, and there was better crowd management.
“The place feels more organized and well-kept,” said Ritu Sharma, who came with her two children from Noida. “We used to come here often before the closure. It’s good to see the zoo looking fresher and better maintained.”
Children ran excitedly from one enclosure to another — from the white tiger to the elephants, from the crocodile pits to the bird aviary. The peacocks, which roam freely inside, drew as many cameras as the lions.
A Step Towards Modernization
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the zoo is slowly embracing technology. The new digital features are designed to make the experience smoother while also cutting down on paper waste. Officials said they are planning to introduce mobile audio guides and an updated website with virtual tours in the coming months.
Delhi’s Green Heart Beats Again
Spread across 176 acres near Purana Qila, the Delhi Zoo is home to over a thousand animals, birds, and reptiles. Beyond being a recreational spot, it plays a vital role in conservation and awareness, hosting school programs and breeding initiatives for endangered species.
With its reopening, the zoo has once again become a welcome escape for city dwellers seeking a touch of wilderness amid urban chaos. As the sun set on the first day, the sound of children’s laughter mixed with the calls of parrots and monkeys — a familiar, comforting rhythm returning to Delhi’s green heart.
