There are more animals in the State Zoo than the authorities can manage
It is a problem of plenty for the Assam State Zoo. The zoo is extremely overcrowded with animals and authorities spent around Rs 96 lakh -- that is half their annual budget in 1995-96 -- to feed the animals. According to officials, Rs 30 lakh can be saved every year by slashing the number of animals.
The zoo is sanctioned to maintain only 10 sambar deer; it has 137 at present. It takes Rs 12 lakh to feed them every year. The size of the zoo is suitable for just one pair of leopards; it maintains nine pairs. There are seven hippopotamuses, though only one is sanctioned. Because of the overcrowding, the animals are also falling ill regularly, zoo officials point out.
The zoo officials raised the issue during a recent visit of the parliamentary committee on science, technology and environment headed by Maneka Gandhi. The committee has proposed that the state government should contribute Rs 20 lakh, while the central zoo authorities should contribute Rs 40 lakh to the zoo so that it has more funds for developmental work. The chief minister of Assam has reportedly agreed to the proposal.
An exchange programme with other zoos is also on the cards. This will help the officials solve the problem of overcrowding. The officials have even proposed that six trained elephants be given away to the State Tourism Development Corporation. Another proposal envisages a separate "rehabilitation" centre inside the forest for some of the animals. But experts are sceptical about it, for the zoo animals have lost their instinct to live in the wild.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.