The Pakistani government has approved plans to redevelop and modernise facilities and operations at Lahore Zoo, which will include redevelopment of facilities, foreign training of keepers and the introduction of new animals to the visitor attraction.

The investment is the result of a nationwide initiative announced in 2014 to upgrade facilities at Lahore Zoo and Lal Sohanra National Park to bring the visitor attractions up to scratch with international standards.

The plans, which will cost PKR322m (US$3.2m, €3m, £2.2m), will see the zoo’s wildlife department being sent to Europe, the UK and countries in South Asia for training. Those who receive training will then impart that knowledge to zoo staff acting as master trainers. In addition, senior staff at the zoo will review facilities available to visitors in foreign zoos such as food and beverage, with a view to implementing similar facilities at the Pakistan zoo.

The redevelopment plans – finalised by the Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif – include a new amusement park, modernised walkways, new enclosures, staff facilities and new tourist facilities. Zoo director Shafqat Ali said the the zoo masterplan, which will be implemented over several years, has been enhanced to include better visitor provisions, landscaping and new retail outlets.

During a meeting to approve the development, tentative plans were also laid out to set up a zoo at Sahiwal, with developers saying the project would cover between 100,000-200,000sq m (25-50 acres) of land. Financial details are still being finalised for the proposed attraction, as is land acquisition.