Initiatives To Make Assam State Zoo-Cum-Botanical Garden Lively

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Amidst adverse comments on the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden, The Sentinel had a visit to the Zoo and came to know a number of initiatives taken by the authority there.

Talking to Pranab Bori, forester grade I, The Sentinel came to know the new initiatives – from enrichment of animals to infrastructural development – taken up. Currently works on underground electricity under a CSR programme by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) as well as road constructions with SOPD funds are underway. Bori said that the initiative on underground electricity has been taken to save the animal from electrocution. Monkeys, birds and other animals often die of electrocution. Two bio-toilet and a water ATM facilities are being erected by Guwahati Smart City Limited to serve tourists. When asked about the recent and upcoming initiatives taken by the authority, Bori said, “Of late we’re focusing on the enrichment of animals within their enclosure for the improvement of their behaviour and nature. Earlier it was considered a less important aspect, but now we’re trying to provide them the environment that they get in a jungle. It has given us a very satisfactory result. We’ve witnessed breeding in enclosures. Breeding plays a vital role in the maintenance of a zoo. This is because when we want to bring animals from other zoos, we can exchange animals born in this zoo. Recently we witnessed the breeding of Himalayan Black Beer, Black Panther and Golden Langur. It’s a success on our part”.

Bori further said: “We’re going to bring a giraffe this year and a zebra by the tear next. We’re making enclosures for them.”

Among other initiatives taken by the zoo authority, Bori mentioned a tracking course in the form of a nature learning centres at schools as to bring about environmental awareness among school students and others. A seven-km tracking course is meant for students and other adventurous people as well.

According to him, the system of security deposit for taking plastic bottles by visitors on the condition of giving the cash back to the visitors upon their returning the bottles while going out has reduced the plastic menace to a large extent inside the zoo.

On the issue of visitors’ opt-repeated complaints that the enclosures of animals in the zoo are far apart, he said that this is to maintain biodiversity and giving importance to plantation as well.

Apart from free ranging ones, the zoo at present has 644 mammals, 427 birds and 121 reptiles.

Also Read: Assam State Zoo Welcomes 2 Himalayan Black Bear Cubs