Patna: As many residents opt to stay in the city rather than travel out of town for New Year celebrations, Patna Zoo is once again set to become a focal point for January 1 outings. Anticipating heavy footfall, the zoo administration has announced special ticketing arrangements and visitor guidelines for the day.
Ticket booking for New Year’s Day will open on December 25. For January 1 only, entry fees will be significantly higher than on regular days: adults will be charged Rs 150 and children Rs 60. On normal days, tickets cost Rs 50 for adults and Rs 20 for children.
Zoo authorities have also outlined picnic-related rules for visitors planning to spend extended time inside the premises. While bringing food from home will be permitted, the use of plastic items has been strictly prohibited. Only vegetarian food will be allowed; non-vegetarian items are banned. Visitors have been urged to dispose of waste responsibly in designated dustbins.
To manage crowds and ensure safety, several attractions will remain restricted on New Year’s Day. Battery-operated vehicles, boating services, the aquarium and the suspension bridge area will not be accessible to the public.
Entry to the zoo will be allowed from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm. However, if crowds remain heavy, ticket counters may continue issuing passes for an additional 45 minutes, until 5.15 pm.
Officials said the temporary measures are aimed at crowd control, cleanliness and visitor safety, as the zoo braces for one of its busiest days of the year.
