Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk spoke on Friday about the latest developments in the Giza Zoo and Orman Gardens, including the culling of various animals.
“A group of 13 lions were infected with a contagious disease, and they had to be euthanized,” he told the the ’90 Minutes’ program on Al-Mehwar TV.
“A veterinary committee was formed to investigate the matter, and the lions were culled, especially since they were about to die. Their presence would have been catastrophic for the rest of the animals,” Farouk said.
He assured that this procedure is followed worldwide in such cases, stressing that the ministry is currently working to compensate for these animals.
The Minister of Agriculture added that work is proceeding in phases and includes both the Zoo and Orman Gardens, noting that they will be connected by a special corridor.
He noted that the first phase, which includes all buildings and archaeological sites within the Zoo, has been completed, while the second phase is currently underway.
Farouk explained that it focuses on developing animal shelters and display cages, in addition to importing new animals.
He referred to cooperation with a specialized international company from South Africa, noting that a delegation from the company will visit Egypt in January to inspect the progress of the second phase.
Farouk emphasized that the goal is to create a park that will be “a source of pride for all Egyptians,”
In response to rumors that the entry ticket price will be set at LE 400, he confirmed that “the ticket price has not been discussed anywhere or on any government website, and we have not yet discussed the ticket price,”
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
