Item from May 19, 1984, in China Daily: Shanghai Zoo is the only one of China's 34 zoos and 135 zoological parks to make a profit. ... With 4 million visitors each year, the zoo has generated revenues of 300,000 yuan annually since 1981, while Beijing Zoo is expected to lose 500,000 yuan this year.

Unlike city zoos, safari parks are popular among visitors because they provide a unique drive-through experience to observe animals roaming freely.

The Chimelong Group, which operates safari and marine parks in Guangdong province, has been listed as one of the world's top 10 theme park developers by the Themed Entertainment Association in the United States.

Last month, the company opened a 3-kilometer cable car line at its safari park in Guangzhou, Guangdong, allowing visitors to see the forest and animals right under their feet.

As the sector experiences a boom, a recent incident at Beijing's Badaling Wildlife Park triggered public concern about safety.

In July, a woman was attacked by a tiger after getting out of her car in the park, and her mother was killed while trying to rescue her.

The park allows self-driving if visitors sign an agreement to keep to the speed limit, lock all windows and doors and not feed the animals.

A guideline on the development of zoos released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development in 2013, requires all zoos to improve emergency mechanisms to ensure safety in case animals escape. It also bans animal abuse.