Wildlife enthusiasts may soon have more reasons to visit the Bengal Safari as authorities plan to introduce animals like lions, hippopotamuses, zebras and sloths at the park.

They have secured approval from the chief wildlife warden of the state to introduce new animals and are waiting for the final nod from the central zoo authority.

“We had sent a proposal to the state forest department to introduce new animals at the safari park here. The chief wildlife warden recently approved the plan. It has been sent to the central zoo authority of India for a final approval. We expect to receive it soon,” said Dawa Sangmu Sherpa, the park’s director.

Bengal Safari is a one-of its-kind open-air zoological park in the state, spread over 297 hectares on the fringes of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary off NH10 on the northeast outskirts of Siliguri. The park has enclosures for royal Bengal tiger, gharial (fish-eating crocodile), Asiatic black bear, rhino, and an open-air aviary.

Over the past few years, it has become a major attraction for tourists and people living in this region.

“In our proposal, we have requested the department for permission to bring new animals like lion, zebra, hippo and sloth to the park,” the director added.

Sources said getting approval from the state forest department for the introduction of animals in a zoological park is a major step.

“The central zoo authority only follows this approval report. It is just a matter of time for the final approval,” said a source.

According to senior foresters, there is adequate space in the park for new enclosures to accommodate these animals.

“There is an initial plan to provide a five-hectare space for the hippos and 20 hectares each for the open enclosures of lions and sloths. The herbivore safari area is spread over 91 hectares. It is necessary to have 30 hectares for herbivores. The remaining space can be used for new enclosures,” said a forester.

In recent months, along with the enclosures of animals and the safaris, park authorities have introduced some attractions like adventure sports, a bonsai garden, a butterfly park, and a nature interpretation centre.

“After introducing these features, footfall has increased. In the current year, over 2.25 lakh people visited the park till November, a record. The department earned around Rs 3.54 crore as revenue. Both football and earnings have doubled compared to the last fiscal,” said a source