MOHALI: After ensuring safety by installing a blind cover at wire-mesh wall, thereby disabling human-animal eye contact, the Chhatbir zoo authorities threw open the Lion Safari to the public after a closure of 11 months due to the pandemic.
The lions and lionesses, Heli, Shilpa, Heer, Dhriti, Gaggan, Sawan and Akshit, were seen basking in the sun at the safari.
Deer Safari has also been opened, said zoo field director Kalpana K.
Kalpana K said, "The safaris were opened for the public after ensuring safety of animals as well as visitors. Two days ago, around 300 visitors, including guides, were allowed in the Lion Safari as a trial. After its success, it was decided that from Wednesday the safari will be opened. It drew 300 to 400 visitors on Wednesday and Thursday."
Chhatbir now has seven lions: three male and four female.
Deer Safari houses black buck, cheetal, sambar, hog deer, barking deer and neel gai (antelope) in their natural habitat.
