Dusit Zoo quashes closure rumours

Dusit Zoo quashes closure rumours

Feeding milk to goats is a favourite activity for school children during their visit to Dusit zoo. (Bangkok Post file photo)
Feeding milk to goats is a favourite activity for school children during their visit to Dusit zoo. (Bangkok Post file photo)

Dusit Zoo has quashed rumours it has immediate plans to close amid claims it will relocate to Pathum Thani.

Rumours that the zoo was about to close in preparation to move the new location were false, a zoo spokesman said.

Dusit Zoo responded on its website after people asked whether the zoo will still open following news reports that it is preparing to relocate.

The zoo accepted a plan to relocate was before the board but said no time frame had been finalised.

"We have to accept change as the bigger place means better opportunity for both the animals and the visitors; however, we are not closed, yet," wrote the website admin.

"Better things will be seen in the new zoo," said the admin, including better parking. Currently, visitors can visit the Dusit Zoo every day from 8am–6pm.

The board of Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand will meet on Wednesday. The board is expected to discuss the relocation of Dusit Zoo, the country's oldest zoo, which has existed for 79 years.

After the meeting, board members will provide further information to the public about their plans.

The relocation plan has arisen because of the limited size of the area and traffic problems in Bangkok's downtown. However, any move could take years.

According to a royal news report broadcast last Thursday, His Majesty the King has granted nine land plots to government agencies to be used for public services.

Among these plots, His Majesty granted 300 rai of land in Klong 6, Thanya Buri district of Pathum Thani to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for construction of a new zoo and the headquarters of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand.

Established in 1938, Dusit Zoo, known as Khao Din, was the first zoo in the country.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT