Night safari at Delhi zoo? Glass enclosures, combo tickets with Purana Qila and more planned

The National Zoological Park in Delhi is gearing up for a sweeping transformation, with plans for glass-fronted enclosures, underwater aquariums and even a potential night safari, officials confirmed. The ambitious redevelopment, set to be executed in three phases, aims to enhance both animal welfare and visitor experience.

Phase I of the ambitious project will focus on upgrading outdoor spaces. This includes a new multi-utility plaza at the zoo’s entrance featuring food courts and cloakrooms, landscaped zones and the development of a multilevel parking facility. Phase II will involve improvements to animal enclosures and overall visitor engagement, HT reported.

“We want to make enclosures as real as the natural environment of the animal,” said zoo director Sanjeet Kumar, adding that feedback from experts, including those from the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC), also known as Vantara in Jamnagar, has been incorporated. “We also consulted experts from Vantara for this, among other stakeholders,” he was quoted by HT.

The Delhi Zoo has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vantara and the Gujarat state government to facilitate knowledge-sharing, capacity building and improved veterinary support. Kumar explained that the agreement would allow exchange of information, personnel training and even healthcare equipment. “With the government also in the loop, any animal exchange or exchange of information is made easier,” he added, as quoted by HT.

While the first two phases are reportedly in advanced planning stages, the more ambitious elements, such as the night safari, are reserved for Phase III and remain contingent on space availability.

An official was quoted by PTI as saying that Phase III also envisions underwater aquariums and enhanced glass-front enclosures to bring visitors closer to the animals. “Only after the layout is completed and the space is fixed, will we have a clear idea about whether the night safari and features like the aquarium can be implemented,” the official said.

Another feature being explored is combo ticketing with the adjacent Purana Qila monument, along with shared parking and services. This is expected to make visits more seamless and attractive for tourists.

The Delhi Zoo, home to 95 animal and bird species, was established in November 1959 and falls under the Union environment ministry. The zoo’s first lion pair arrived in 1969 and it continues to be one of the city’s most visited attractions.

With planning for infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to the nearby Mataru Road, reaching final stages, officials said that once detailed project reports and approvals are in place, work will accelerate.