Mysore/Mysuru: A day after the Government announced his nomination, former City BJP President M. Shivakumar took charge as the new Chairman of Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) at the Authority’s Office in Mysuru Zoo here on Tuesday.

Speaking after assuming charge, Shivakumar, who is also a former MCC Corporator, said that he was thankful to the party leaders for his nomination as the ZAK Chairman.

Highlighting his priorities, Shivakumar said that he would strive for ensuring well-being of animals in all Zoos coming under ZAK, measures for attracting more number of domestic and international visitors and overall development and revenue augmentation of Zoos.

He further said that he would take the ZAK Members and Zoo officials and staff in formulating programmes for development.

MLA L. Nagendra, ZAK Member-Secretary B.P. Ravi, Members Jyothi Rechanna and Gokul Govardhan, Mysuru Zoo Executive Director Ajit M. Kulkarni and others were present.