A new mini theatre at Bir Talab Zoo, located on the outskirts of Bathinda, is set to open soon, aiming to educate visitors about wildlife and nature conservation through short films. Built at a cost of Rs 35 lakh, the air-conditioned 58-seater theatre will add a fresh educational and entertainment feature to the popular 161-acre tourist destination.
Speaking to The Tribune, Gurdeep Singh Sidhu, Forest Range Officer and zoo in-charge, said, “The mini theatre and enclosures for black bears are ready. We’ll open the theatre to the public shortly, but we’re still awaiting mandatory approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to bring in the black bears.”
The new black bear enclosures, constructed on 2,000 square metres at a cost of Rs 88 lakh, are prepared to house a pair of black bears, which are expected to arrive from a nature park in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, once the CZA gives the green light.
Currently, Bir Talab Zoo is home to two pairs of leopards, blackbucks, deer, monkeys, and various bird species, and also features a deer safari.
Regarding ticket pricing for the new mini theatre, Sidhu said, “In addition to the existing zoo entry fee, the proposed ticket rates are Rs 10 for children, Rs 50 for adults, and Rs 20 per person for group visits.”
Established in 1978 by the District Red Cross Society and later taken over by the Punjab Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department in 1982, the zoo continues to evolve as a hub for wildlife awareness and tourism in the region.
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