One of the biggest attractions for the city dwellers, Lucknow Zoo is all set to commemorate 100 years of its inception on November 29 this year. Amid a string of planned activities, the authorities have decided to install a ‘Centenary Pillar’ on its campus. Standing tall as a testimony to the zoo’s long journey, the pillar will have inscriptions on both its sides. While the history of Lucknow Zoo will be carved on one side, the other side will have its inauguration date.
Memorabilia of pictures & a postal stamp to be released
Gearing up for centennial celebrations, the zoo authorities have rolled out an array of schemes. As a part of this, the management will release a postage stamp replicating the design of the zoo logo. Besides, special memorabilia comprising of pictures clicked by the visitors from the past and the present will also be made public. In order to ensure public participation, the zoo officials have asked the citizens to give their recommendations about the things that can be a part of the memorabilia.
Further, events and competitions for students and youth will also be organised at the zoo. The zoo director, R.K. Singh said, “There will be numerous competitions and programmes for visitors. The year is very special for us as well as the inmates. We are encouraging people to opt for an adoption program as well.”
From ‘Banarasi Bagh’ to ‘Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden’
The zoological garden was set up on November 29, 1921, to mark the Prince of Wales’ visit to Lucknow. Earlier, the campus was developed as a mango orchard in the 18th century by Nawab Nasiruddin Haider, the then Nawab of Awadh. Named Banarasi Bagh during those times, the garden is still referred to by the same name by some locals even today. The expanse of the park consists of a Baradari in the middle, which resonates with an ancient Nawabi appeal.
The garden was transformed into an animal shelter in 1921, based on the ideas of Governor Sir Harcourt Butler. Later, the name was changed twice. While the ‘Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens Trust’ was renamed to Lucknow Zoological Garden in 2001, it got the latest attribute-Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden in 2015.
Knock Knock
We can also contribute our bit towards the preservation of the city’s exceptional heritage by making sure that we do not disturb the cleanliness of its campus. Here, it is important to spread awareness about the stated rules and regulations of the zoo besides ensuring adhrence to them ourselves.
