Conservationist writes to Central Zoo Authority, alleges violation of guidelines at Pilikula Biological Park

Mangaluru: Wildlife conservationist Bhuvan Mangaluru has written to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), highlighting violation of guidelines at Pilikula Biological Park (PBP).

In his email complaint to the CZA, Bhuvan alleged that the common boundary wall between the sewage treatment plant (STP) and the zoo has collapsed, causing contaminated sewage water to enter enclosures. There is waterlogging, creating unhygienic conditions for the animals.

Bhuvan further claimed that the collapse of the outer wall has allowed dogs to freely enter the zoo premises, posing a significant threat of predation. He also alleged that some herbivorous species have gone several consecutive days without proper feed.

Broken barricades in the Sambar and Indian Gaur enclosures, could lead to animal escapes into public areas, he said.

He also alleged that the zoo lacks adequate emergency preparedness, including proper equipment and trained personnel to handle disease outbreaks or emergencies.

Despite being classified as a large zoo with over 1,200 animals, it reportedly has only one veterinarian, falling short of the mandatory two as per guidelines.

Commissioner reacts

Reacting to the allegations, Pilikula Development Authority in-charge Commissioner Dr Arun Kumar Shetty said that following heavy rain in the last couple of days several trees have been uprooted which in turn has damaged the barricades. Due to the increase in flow of water, a compound wall has collapsed at two locations in Pilikula Nisargadhama.

When the tree fell, some of the barricades were damaged. However, it has not allowed any animals to escape as there are trenches in the areas. Pipes have been laid at the enclosure, to facilitate the water to flow.

A STP belonging to the Mangaluru City Corporation functions in the nearby areas. Due to rainfall, it has overflowed and flown into the Pilikula area. The Authority will write to the MCC Commissioner to rectify the problem.

On the allegations that herbivorous species have gone without proper feed for several consecutive days, Dr Arun said that the animals are supplied with substitute food.

There is no issue with food at the zoo. The restoration works on the compound wall will be taken up once the rain recedes in the area.