Chandigarh, Aug. 22 -- The Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhatbir, recorded 4 lakh visitors in the first eight months of the year, reflecting growing public interest in wildlife conservation and awareness, forest and wildlife preservation minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said on Thursday. He attributed the rising footfall to the Punjab government's sustained efforts to sensitise people towards wildlife preservation. The zoo received 48,719 visitors in January, 54,216 in February, 66,377 in March, 40,168 in April, 33,134 in May, 71,928 in June, 35,980 in July and 20,489 in August. Kataruchak said the response demonstrated growing public engagement with wildlife conservation. He said several conservation-focused initiatives had also been undertaken at Chhatbir Zoo. These include the country's biggest and longest walk-in aviary, which has emerged as a major attraction. htc...