Preparatory work for the construction of a new zoo has begun in Vitebsk

January 20, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Preparatory work for the construction of a new zoo has begun in Vitebsk, the director of the zoo, Alexei Andreykov, told a BELTA correspondent. A territory of 100 hectares has been allocated for the zoo in a forest area near a new residential microdistrict and an intercity highway. In the first stage, on 10 hectares, an entrance group, a utility area, and enclosures for animals living in Belarusian forests will be built. It is noteworthy that the project envisages the maximum preservation of green spaces, thus, the first settlers will be in their natural habitat. It is expected that all work will be completed by 2011. More than Br20 billion will be allocated for their implementation. As Alexei Andreykov noted, these are not only budget funds but also investments from entrepreneurs. The second phase of the zoo involves the construction of facilities for keeping exotic animals and birds, and terrariums. Along with them, catering facilities will be built. According to Alexei Andreykov, the territory of the new zoo is the largest in Belarus and will allow for an increase in the number of inhabitants, surprising citizens and tourists with exotic species. The existing zoo is located in the historical part of the city and occupies an area of 1.3 hectares. It houses over 1,000 animals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles of 51 species. -0-