Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Park, also known as Lucknow Zoo, has entered its centenary year which shall be marked on 29 November 2021. Preparing in advance for its 100th birthday, this zoo is set to build a memorial to remember the deceased wildlife that once resided in its premises. The proposal for the same has been sent by the Lucknow Zoo administration to the government which also mentions the tentative location for its installation.
Celebrations amid economic challenges
The model of the upcoming memorial space has already been prepared. The zoo administration is looking for three places for the construction of this memorial, namely- Snake Ghar Tiraha, the area near the canteen and the state museum complex. Apart from this memorial, other celebrations shall also be held to mark this occasion, for which preparations are in full swing.
The Zoo Director stated that a memorial has to be built, though the higher officials are yet to take a decision on the proposal. He further informed that any decision taken in this regard, in the midst of corona infection, will be a consequence of the perceivable economic challenges.
History of Lucknow Zoo
The journey of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoo began when it was established in 1921 to commemorate the arrival of the then Prince of Wales to Lucknow. Before this establishment was conceived by Sir Harcourt Buttler, the premises hosted a mango orchard famously known as the Banarasi Bagh.
After the Nawabs, this became a favourite place of Britishers during the colonial rule and today, the Hindi cinema industry often finds its backdrop for cinematic shots here. Iconic songs, like Umrao Jaan’s In Ankhon Ki Masti was filmed at the baradari (a platform to sit on) built here.
-With inputs from Pawan Kaushal
