Ranchi, Dec. 2: To observe World Disabled Day, the Birsa Zoological Park at Ormanjhi (Ranchi) has a special offer for special guests.

The zoo authorities will offer free entry passes and bus rides for the physically challenged visitors. Chief wildlife warden A.K. Singh, in a news communique, also promised free boat rides to the special visitors.

The zoo, located some 20km from Ranchi and on the NH-33 that links Ranchi to Ramgarh, currently houses 178 animals, 23 bird varieties and seven types of reptiles. Its wild attractions include three elephants, an equal number of lions, a tiger, 38 spotted deer, 17 black bucks, seven Himalayan black bears, 33 monkeys, three pythons, a crocodile and three alligators — an assortment that is pretty impressive.

The zoo’s winged creatures include nine peacocks, two pelicans and two golden pheasants — again an impressive mix.

On usual days, too, the zoo offers free entry to the physically challenged and special people and offers wheelchairs for the benefit of such visitors.

With the mercury dipping, zoo timings are slated to change soon and the park would remain open between 9am and 4.30pm everyday, except Mondays, from November to January. After January, the zoo would remain open for an extra half-an-hour and would close at 5pm.

Authorities are now busy preparing the wild guests for the state winter, by revising their diet, providing anti-biotics for cold and heaters for those who are extra sensitive. Also cages are being protected with extra hay and cloth cover to keep the nip at bay. Some cages have been provided blowers for that extra warmth.