Shivamogga zoo to seek upgradation from small-zoo to medium-zoo status
Officers of the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari (Shivamogga zoo), located near Shivamogga city, are preparing a proposal seeking the zoo’s upgradation from its current
Officers of the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari (Shivamogga zoo), located near Shivamogga city, are preparing a proposal seeking the zoo’s upgradation from its current “small zoo” status to “medium zoo", citing its animal strength, area and visitor footfall. As per Central Zoo Authority (CZA) norms, a zoo can claim medium-zoo status if it meets at least two of the following three criteria: 35 hectares of land, an annual footfall of 3.5 lakh visitors, and 350 animals across 35 species. In addition, it must mandatorily house at least 10 endangered species, comprising a minimum of 50 endangered animals. Shivamogga zoo is spread over 253.3 hectares and recorded a footfall of 3.3 lakh visitors last year. It houses more than 440 animals from over 36 species, including seven endangered species comprising 38 animals.
To help meet the mandatory endangered-species criterion, officials are working to procure eight Indian grey wolves (Canis lupus pallipes) and four gharials from Patna zoo, besides acquiring lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) and thamin deer/Eld’s deer (Rucerus eldii). “I am submitting a proposal to CZA to upgrade our status to medium zoo. Once the proposal is submitted, CZA will send a technical team to visit the zoo and examine whether it meets the criteria. The process takes time,” V.M. Amarakshara, executive director of the zoo, said on Monday (July 13). In exchange for the wolves and gharials, Shivamogga zoo will send two Indian gaurs to Patna zoo. “We are making preparations to send the Indian gaurs, which are highly sensitive animals.
We are giving them crate training to ensure safe relocation,” said the officer. The zoo currently has nearly 440 animals — more than the number required to claim medium-zoo status. Once it receives the upgraded status, the administration will be able to take up special conservation-breeding projects for certain species. At present, the zoo has the potential to take up conservation breeding of the Indian gaur, given the facilities and expertise available. “There are currently only mini and large zoos in Karnataka. Shivamogga zoo will become the State’s first medium zoo if it secures the status. This will help us access conservation projects, considering our potential — particularly for conservation breeding of Indian gaurs,” Mr. Amarakshara said.
Shivamogga zoo is the first in the country to have an Indian gaur safari. The zoo was in the news earlier this year following the death of Sameeksha Reddy, a trainee veterinarian, in a hippopotamus attack on March 19. Following the incident, officers have taken measures to implement a standard operating procedure (SOP) for handling animals. The executive director said staff had been briefed on the sop and had undergone training on following it. “There are specific no-go and restricted areas within the zoo. We have taken measures to ensure the safety of both staff and animals,” he said.
The BriefWire