Bengaluru, June 6 (IANS): The Bengaluru Zoo will reopen from Monday with revised carrying capacity and the maximum number of visitors at any given time will be restricted, said an official on Saturday.

"Bengaluru Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBBP) is reopening from Monday as per the approval from the Government of Karnataka. A revised carrying capacity of the zoo, the butterfly park and safari has been arrived at," the zoo's Executive Director Vanashree Vipin Singh told IANS.

Singh said the revision is aimed at ensuring the safety of the visitors.

Accordingly, the maximum number of persons at any given time in the zoo will be restricted and kept low to maintain social distancing between the groups and families.

"In view of maintaining social distancing, a family is considered as a group comprising maximum of seven persons. Each group must maintain distance of six feet from other groups," she said.

Similarly, only non-air conditioned safari buses will operate with half capacity and every visitor will be assured of a window seat.

"Non-AC jeep safari with protective screen between the driver and passengers is available for a family group," said Singh.

However, tickets will be available only through online mode and only a limited number of timed tickets will be available. No counter tickets.

The maximum number of people allowed in a single booking is seven.

As a precaution, thermal scanning, hand wash and touch free hand sanitising units will be available at all entry and exit points and common areas among other requirement such as wearing masks.

BBBP is a unit of Zoo Authority of Karnataka and one of the few places where wilderness is preserved in the vicinity of a city like Bengaluru.

The biological park has four units -- a zoo, a safari, a butterfly park and a rescue centre -- occupying 732 hectares of land and accommodating 2,279 animals.

The zoo is nestled in the forests of Champakadhama Hills inside the Bannerghatta National Park.