Chandigarh, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhatbir, recorded 3,71,011 visitors during the first eight months of 2026, reflecting growing public interest in wildlife conservation and awareness, Punjab Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said on Friday.
Kataruchak attributed the rising footfall to the Punjab Government’s efforts under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to promote wildlife conservation and encourage people to engage more closely with nature.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, our government has worked consistently to sensitise people towards nurturing and preserving wildlife. The response from the public has been extremely encouraging,” he said.
According to the minister, Chhatbir Zoo received 48,719 visitors in January, 54,216 in February, 66,377 in March, 40,168 in April, 33,134 in May, 71,928 in June, 35,980 in July and 20,489 in August, taking the cumulative footfall to 3,71,011.
The zoo, which houses a diverse range of birds and animals, has also undertaken several initiatives aimed at combining wildlife conservation with education and recreation.
Kataruchak highlighted the country’s biggest and longest walk-in aviary as one of the major attractions developed at the zoo. An ultra-modern dinosaur park has also been established to enhance the educational and recreational experience for visitors.
The minister said the government would continue strengthening conservation initiatives and creating greater awareness about the need to protect wildlife.
The increased visitor numbers, he added, demonstrate the growing public engagement with wildlife and the importance of providing people with opportunities to learn about and appreciate biodiversity.
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