An official from Beijing says that certain parts of the Beijing Zoo might be transferred to another location to help improve both the living conditions of its resident animals and the traffic conditions experienced within its vicinity.

Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning director Huang Yan said that they are working on the possible partial relocationof the said 110-year-old zoo, reports the South China Morning Post. Huang said this on Monday, on the sidelines of the annual two sessions held by the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

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Despite having soundproof facilities, the animals residing inside Beijing Zoo have been suffering from the noise generated by the environment in the city center. Aside from that, the number of tourists and visitors coming in on the weekends and holidays help cause heavily-congested traffic and obstructed passage into the nearby subway station.

Relocation Proposals

An earlier proposal regarding the zoo's relocation was made, although it was denied. Back in 2004, experts have considered fully relocating the zoo to another location. However, it was met by objections and was not able to push through.

In January of this year, the idea of relocating the zoo was once again brought up by the dean of Beijing's International institute for Urban Development, Lian Yuming.

This new proposal, on the other hand, suggested only a partial relocation of the animals – with those fit to live in the current conditions staying, and those unfit to stay being relocated. Although it is expected to have some negative impact to the zoo, officials believe the zoo will still have enough for the tourists.

“[The relocation] would reduce the number of tourists,” Huang explained, “and also be beneficial to the animals.”

“The remaining animals would still fulfil the basic needs of the tourists, as well as give the local residents some memories to hold on to,” Huang added.

TagsBeijing Zoo, Huang Yan, Panda, National People's Congress, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Lian Yuming