A fledging tourism information fortnightly - 'In & Around Mysore' - has done a random sample survey that says a majority of visitors to the zoo are not aware of a 'Touchscreen' kiosk on the premises to access info on the Mysore zoo at the mere 'touch of their finger-tips'. The survey done in May reveals that at least one in every four visitors finds the sign-posts inside the zoo 'confusing' and even 'misleading'.

On a personal note, I would like to add that during my recent visit with a four-year old girl I found a zoo minion, who parked himself close to an 'exit' signpost (near the crocs enclosure), redirecting us towards a path quite different from the one to which the signpost pointed. The man had a whistle and he blew it to attract visitors' attention.It was only after Ashika and I had taken his direction for a 100 yards or so that we realised he had led us to the 'refreshments & gift items' area that adults accompanying children would particularly like to bypass. The man with the whistle deserved 'innovator' award for sales promotion, even if it meant 'misguiding' visitors seeking a quick exit from the zoo.

I wish the survey was a little more wide-ranging in its assessement of the visitors' preferences on matters such as the animals/birds they fancied, but did not find at the Mysore zoo; whether they got value for their money, if they felt the entry fare deserved to be raised/lowered, and by how much. The visitors could also be asked if they had any suggestions.

I have a suggestion. For the convenience of the oldies and kids among visitors the zoo authorities could consider hiring out wheel-chairs, bicycles, two-seater tri-cycles, or even battery-powered golf-carts. The dog-van that does the rounds inside the zoo isn't always available whenever you want it or wherever Ashika and I found our legs giving way.

'In & Around' can be contacted at 0821- 5520067/5253400 or e-mailed iamysore@go.com