Timely healthcare reduces death rate of zoo animals: CZA member

Central Zoo Authority (CZA) Member Secretary D N Singh on Monday said that due to lack of medical care, the mortality rate of animals in zoos is high.

He was addressing the gathering during the inaugural ceremony of the four-day All India Zoo Directors conference, organised with the theme 'Vision 2030', by CZA, Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) and Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo), at a private hotel here.

Singh said that it is a fact that management of a zoo is not an easy task, but, the people, who hold the responsibility, should make sincere efforts for the development of zoos. With the proper medical care, the mortality rate of zoo animals can be reduced, he said.

Problems encountered

Highlighting the problems in zoos, Singh said, "The authorities have not bothered to resolve the problems being faced by the visitors and the animals. A few people are trying to run away from their responsibilities and such officials should not be spared."

He said that in many zoos, the visitors have to wait in long queues to get entry tickets and the zoo authorities have failed to ensure necessary parking space for the visitors.

"In a zoo, an enclosure created to house a fox has been constructed using tiles for the floor. Is it the way to protect the animals?" he asked and suggested the authorities to chalk out solutions for the problems in zoos.

Singh said that the revenue generated from the zoo should be utilised for the development works of the zoos and the respective governments should not divert the funds for any other purpose.

ZAK member Secretary B P Ravi said, "The zoos should generate the necessary revenue to manage on their own, rather than depending on the governments. He opined that ensuring the safety of the visitors and the animals, is a challenge before the authorities."

CZA member C S Yelakki suggested that the zoo officials should provide proper care to the zoo animals and asked them to manage the zoos in a good manner. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Nagaland, Satya Prakash Tripathi said, "Zoos are much essential for the purpose of information and education. Zoos can help in protection and conservation of animals."

As many as 50 representatives from 27 states took part in the conference. The conference includes a study tour to Koorgalli Rehabilitation Centre, Chamundi Hill, and Nagarhole National Park.