Central body recommends dos and dont’s for Vadodara zoo

The irregularities came to light following a thorough tour of the zoo by CZA member Kartick Satyanarayan following allegations of irregularities in the zoo administration by a city-based animal activist.

Satyanarayan said: “A zoo is an institution to keep a check on the welfare of the animals and educate the public about wildlife. Zoo authorities have been asked to immediately build a hospital within the premises to treat the injured and sick animals. We have also recommended that instead of displaying exotic species,the zoo should promote indigenous local species of Gujarat. We found a Himalayan black bear suffering in the extreme heat of Gujarat. The zoo has also displayed old and weak animals like the Asiatic lions. We have asked them to immediately shift such animals to rescue centres and bring in healthy animals.”

He added: “We have also asked them to build isolation centres where injured animals can be shifted so that they are not harassed by crows. I had a discussion with the municipal commissioner who has agreed to take immediate steps towards improvement,”said Satyanarayan.

A CZA team will again conduct a follow up visit after two months to check the progress at the zoo.