Media pulled up for reports on Nandankanan tiger deaths

BHUBANESWAR, OCT 4: Noted wildlife expert Uday Narayan Dev has said that the recent unfortunate death of white tigers and other related in...

BHUBANESWAR, OCT 4: Noted wildlife expert Uday Narayan Dev has said that the recent unfortunate death of white tigers and other related incidents at the famous Nandankanan Biological Park near here should have been handled by the media in a constructive manner.

Instead of harping on the negative aspects of the whole issue, the media should have delved into its positive sides as well, Dev said while addressing the 46th Wildlife Week function organised by the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Society of Orissa (NWCSO).

Nandankanan became world famous for the number of white tigers and other animals bred in captivity. The big cats had also been sent to various zoos in the world from here over the years. “We should not lose sight of the fact that the zoo had been managed so well till now,” he said.

Dev felt that the media was not so harsh when similar mishaps occurred in zoos and wildlife parks elsewhere in the country.

“All creatures are mortals and they are to die some day. Instead of launching a witch hunt, the media should have informed the world how the mishap occurred alongside its success stories,” he said.

Former Inspector General of Forests, Government of India, F Ahmed said that death of white tigers had shattered the animal lovers not only in Orissa but in the country and the world.

Speaking about human interference on habitats of animals and birds, Ahmed said people should not tinker with wildlife as everyone has a responsibility towards their well being.

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Stating that forest department had its limitations while dealing with wildlife, Ahmed said what was needed at this juncture was a strong political will.

Eminent biologist B N Singh deplored that humans were not acting as conservator but destroyer of nature and its flora and fauna.

“Destruction of forests caused soil erosion, erratic rainfall, bringing in its wake drought, floods, global warming and so many things. For this we cannot blame any body but ourselves,” he said.