With new tiger pair, Dehradun zoo raking in moolah as visitors throng

THE recent arrival of a pair of tigers has turned the Dehradun Zoo into a treasure trove. Typically, the months of May and June see the highest number of visitors, but this winter, the allure of the tigers has drawn record crowds even in the biting cold.

- NARENDRA SETHI @ Dehradun

Main attraction The tiger pair was first unveiled to the public on November 25 last year. Since their debut, they have become the main attraction at the zoo. Though the zoo administration officially identifies them as D2 and D5, visitors affectionately know them as Raja and Bhola.

Dr Pradeep Mishra, the enthusiastic veterinary in-charge of the zoo, told this newspaper, "On January 5, the zoo set a new revenue milestone, earning an impressive ₹5,35,000 in just one day—the highest single-day earnings to date."