Working groups to oversee relocation of Dusit Zoo to Pathum Thani by 2019
TWO WORKING groups have been set up in order to prepare for the relocation of animals from Dusit Zoo to a new location in Pathum Thani.
After a meeting of the Zoological Park Organisation committee yesterday, the organisation announced the creation of the working groups to move forward the plan to close Dusit Zoo in Bangkok and relocate to the new larger site in Pathum Thani’s Thanya Buri district.
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The organisation’s headquarters will also be moved to the new 300-rai (48-hectare) plot of land, which was granted by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn earlier this month.
The two working groups will focus on constructing the new zoo and relocating the headquarters.
A press release stated that the relocation of Dusit Zoo would focus on planning the landscape at the new zoo to house animals in environments similar to their natural habitats to ensure their wellbeing and meet international standards.
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The Zoological Park Organisation also emphasised the royal grace of HM the King Rama X, who offered the larger land plot to develop the new modern zoo and enhance the ability to welcome more visitors, promote outdoor education for students and improve the wellbeing of the animals.
However, it did not specify a closure date for Dusit Zoo, the opening date of the new zoo or other details on the relocation plan yet.
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According to an earlier report, the Zoological Park Organisation planned to move all animals and relocate its offices because the Dusit Zoo area, which covers 118 rai, was too small for the growing number of visitors. The report concluded that the new zoo would be opened by 2019 at the earliest.
Dusit Zoo is often at the top of the list of famous recreation destinations for the people in Bangkok. It is also the oldest zoo in the country and has many well-known animals, such as Mae Mali, 51-year-old hippopotamus. The zoo has about 1,600 animals, including species from Thailand and other parts of the world. Dusit Zoo also has long history as it is situated on the former site of Dusit Park, which was built during the reign of King Rama V in 1895 at the site of Dusit Palace.
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After the Siamese Revolution in 1932, the government under the administration of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram asked the Royal Family to officially open the park to the public and a petition to that affect was approved by King Rama VIII.
In the early years following the opening of the park to the public, the Bangkok Administration moved many animals to the park and Dusit Zoo was officially opened on March 13, 1938.