The Capital Development Authority (CDA), in a significant move, has allotted 25 acres of land for the first virtual zoo in the Federal Capital, 24News HD TV channel reported on Friday.  

In this regard, CDA issued a NOC for giving 25 acres of the zoo’s land to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB).

The IWMB will build a virtual zoo and wildlife rescue centre on the land. The IWMB has also submitted PC-II of Rs. 500 million to the Planning Commission of Pakistan (PCP). The virtual zoo will be built on the site of Marghazar Zoo.  

It is pertinent that the Islamabad Zoo was closed in December 2020 following an order by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The court ruled to transfer all animals to shelters as well.

According to the plan, two-thirds of the allocated land will be used as an entertainment area where documentaries, animatronic models of animals, a visual gallery, informative 3D shows, high-tech movies, and virtual shows will be arranged for visitors.  

Moreover, one-third of the land will be used to establish a rescue and rehabilitation center at the zoo. This rescue center will also be the first of its kind to bring rescued animals from all over Pakistan and provide them with medical care.