Kankaria: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has initiated plans to construct a state-of-the-art walk-in aviary for wild birds at Kankaria Zoo, aiming to improve conditions for avian species and enhance the experience for visitors. The proposal falls under Committee Work No. 02 and carries an estimated project cost of ₹24 crore.

The current enclosures for birds, built in 1951, have become outdated and inadequate. Small in size and deteriorating due to rust and wear, the existing cages prevent birds from flying freely and offer limited visibility for zoo visitors. The new aviary is expected to resolve these issues by providing larger, more naturalistic spaces for the birds.

A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued by the AMC for selecting a consultant to undertake a detailed study, prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), and provide project management consultancy (PMC) services. Jain & Associates emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) with a financial bid of ₹60 lakh, plus applicable GST at 2.5%. The consultancy will oversee the full design and execution planning of the aviary.

Expected Benefits:

• Improved Living Conditions: The larger enclosures will allow birds to fly more freely, supporting better physical and mental health.
• Enhanced Visitor Experience: Better visibility and more natural bird behavior are expected to enrich the visitor experience.
• Breeding and Exchange Programs: Improved health conditions are anticipated to support successful breeding, enabling exchange programs with other zoos.
• Revenue Boost: A modern walk-in aviary is expected to attract more visitors, potentially increasing revenue for the AMC.

The walk-in aviary will replicate a natural habitat for wild birds, providing both educational and recreational value to the public while ensuring improved animal welfare standards at Kankaria Zoo, said the AMC officials. DeshGujarat