The much-publicised zoological park of international standards at Aarey Milk colony may finally see the light of day. State Forest minister Babanrao Pachpute said that Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has given his approval to the project on June 5, following the state forest department seeking an approval from him. The department had also sought approval from the Union government. Pachpute said that subject to all approvals, the ambitious project should commence within a year. As per the forest department's proposal, the zoological park would come up over an area of 300 acres and birds, reptiles, marine life and animals would be kept in huge enclosures that would be very similar to a natural habitat. A memorandum of understanding has also been planned with South Africa for consultation and to acquire animals. "Mumbai city is unique in the country as it has forest in its midst. Land is not a problem for the zoological park. If we do not develop the place, then this land remains vulnerable to encroachment,' said Pachpute. There were several models to finance the project. "We have the option of joint venture, built operate and transfer (BOT) or of raising the capital on our own,' said Pachpute. The zoological park would have parking area over a 2.5 acres plot and cafeteria and is expected to attract around 10,000 visitors on weekdays and 25,000 to 30,000 on weekends, holidays and Sundays. "It is a revenue earning model as entry fee could be charged from visitors,' said Pachpute. He also mentioned a proposed research centre at Sanjay Gandhi National Park that would house a breeding centre of endangered species. The research centre would focus on conservation, preservation and research.