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TALK OF THE TOWN

THERE’S nothing quite like the mighty jungle and getting a glimpse of the animals in their natural habitat. But that is for only a select few who can afford to go on wildlife safaris. For the rest there is the zoo and there is simply no denying the fact that zoos, wherever they are in the world, have an important role to play in the conservation of wildlife.

But this does give any country the licence to cage these grand animals and place them in spaces where they can hardly walk or stretch. The zoo must at all times conform to certain standards. The better ones ensure that it employs not only dedicated and experienced animal keepers but also staff veterinarians, veterinary nurses and even a zoo hospital.

Of late, the Dubai Zoo has been drawing a lot of flak from animal lovers who feel that the cramped conditions does not befit a city that is now boasting of soon having a dolphinarium. There is much truth in the complaint, but it must be said that efforts have been made to build a bigger and better zoo that will undoubtedly be an even bigger draw. What is unfortunate though is that despite the best efforts of the civic body, no private investor is willing to step forward and pump in money for the new zoo project. The blueprint for 56-hectare Dh610 million project is ready. But it cannot be taken of the drawing boards because of the lack of interest shown by investors. Two years on and it still gathers dust on the drawing boards.

One cannot but wonder why the zoo project is drawing a blank when to come to private funds. Statistics reveal that it can only be a win-win situation for any investor. Last year the present zoo — which everyone seems unhappy with — drew 405,867 visitors and 366,023 before that. The visitors are on the rise and the earnings is nothing to sniff at even if a large part of it goes towards maintenance.

Perhaps the civic body should just go ahed with the project instead of waiting for investors.