Born free

As a part of providing natural habitat for animals, four new species of animals that include black buck, chinkara, jackal and wolf will very soon be shifted in naturalistic, moated enclosures in the park. 8220;We have been functional since 1999 when the animals kept in cages in Peshwe Park were shifted to the current location in Katraj. At that time we had two monkey enclosures and two bear enclosures. Over the years, however, we worked on providing better habitat for the animals and now we are very soon planning to provide similar environment to four other species,8221; says Kazveen Umrigar, director, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park.

The park, spread over 165 acres is a home for over 300 animals that include nearly 17 species of mammals, three species of birds and 24 species of reptiles. The authorities are also planning to take additional preventive measures to ensure a clean and pollution free environment both for visitors as well as for the animals. 8220;We have banned plastic bags inside the premises. Also we have recently introduced two battery-operated vehicles that will take the visitors through the park,8221; says Umrigar. 8220;Very soon we are also planning to undertake the renovation work of the snake park section. Currently the snakes are kept in pits and that is not an ideal condition for the snakes to survive. We will be providing ideal living conditions for these reptiles as well,8221; adds she.

A recently undertaken venture also includes a vulture conservation programme under which the endangered species of vultures called- Long Billed vultures are protected and taken care of. 8220;These are big black birds with long neck and bald head. Though noisy eaters, these birds play a major role in keeping the environment clean. Given a rapid decline in their population, they now fall in the category of endangered species. Their percentage has come down by 97 per cent,8221; she adds.

With over half of the zoo already renovated and open for visitors, the changes have not only acted as a relief for animals but have also increased the number of visitors. 8220;Today, they can see animals in their natural forms; for instance, a tiger sharpening its claws, monkey and birds on the trees and so on. In fact the number of visitors has gone up to as high as 15,000 visitors a day on holidays and there are many who come and appreciate the new look of the park,8221; says Umrigar.

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