Mysore zoo plans old age home for inmates

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is planning to set up a facility exclusively for aged and sick animals of the zoo on the outskirts of the city.

The retirement home for the aged animals is proposed to be set up on five acres of land at Koorgalli where a gaur breeding centre is coming up on a 100-acre plot.

With the zoo housing more than 1,400 animals, 170 species of birds and reptiles, the proposed facility would help to keep aged animals away from the public glare.

According to the authorities, at present, the zoo has several animals suffering from various diseases such as anorexia, decreased visibility, decreased activity, injuries due to infighting, joint pains and deteriorating health.

Among them are: Madhukeshwara, a 16-year-old Bengal tiger (average lifespan – 15 years) with deteriorating health, Polo, a 39-year-old lone gorilla with decreased activity, Bhima, a white rhino aged 42 years, which has exceeded average lifespan of 35-40 years with decreased appetite and Edward, a zebra, aged 23 years (average lifespan 20-25 years) suffering from joint pains and deteriorating health.

M Nanjundaswamy, Chairperson, Zoo Authority of Karnataka, told Deccan Herald that the Mysore zoo had submitted a proposal to the Forest Department to provide land for setting up the facility and an order was expected shortly.

“The idea of setting up the facility is to provide the animals a life of peace in their final days,” Nanjundaswamy said. Apart from the aged ones, sick animals from the zoos across the State can be rehabilitated at the proposed centre.

Visitors feel bad to see aged animals kept for public viewing in the zoos, Nanjundaswamy  added.