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Journalism of Courage
UPSET with vistors who hurl objects and tease animals,Delhi Zoo authorities have put up bamboo and iron mesh curtains on three sides of the lion cage located at the centre of the zoo. The lions,shifted elsewhere earlier,have been brought back to the enclosure and visitors will now be able to see them only from a viewing area situated at a safe distance.
Zoo authorities say that in future,the enclosures of big animals will have a safe viewing area instead of having openings on three sides. Amitabh Agnihotri, Director of Delhi Zoo,said they reacted because visitors did not stop teasing animals. Cages are meant to have just one viewing area. So we have put up the bamboo wall around the cage, he said.
The lion cage,which required repairing,has a fresh stone boundary. It was built years ago and was in need of repairs. So we repaired the place and brought back four lions on Thursday, Agnihotri said.
Of the four lions,one is very ill and rarely steps out in the open. Because lions are very territorial,only one lion is released at a time from the cage into the enclosure where there is space for them to walk around and exercise.
With big animals,people become very impatient. Since one animal is allowed at a time,visitors want to see the animal move around in the enclosure instead of just lying in the shade. Hence,they clap hands,make noises and sometimes even throw sticks from some corner of the enclosure at the animals to make them move, an official said.
The Delhi Zoo is in the process of repairing the enclosures. Along with the lion enclosure,the birds cages are also getting new iron meshes. The soil of the bird enclosures,which decayed over the years,are also being changed.
The Delhi zoo also called the National Zoological Park has several species of big animal like jaguars,leopards and tigers.
Currently in the process of making its masterplan,it hopes to create peaceful enclosures for its residents.
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