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Time of India
25-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Gorakhpur zoo: Five bird flu hit inmates recover back to health
Lucknow: The five inmates of Gorakhpur zoo — a tiger, two leopard cubs, a cockatiel, and a vulture — who tested positive for avian influenza, have recovered. "This is very rare. All five animals who tested positive for avian influenza are back to back to health and normalcy. This was taken note of by everyone, even the Central Zoo Authority (CZA)," said Vikas Yadav, director of Gorakhpur zoo, which is closed for more than a month now. The animals lost appetite and movement, became weak, and got urine infections as common symptoms due to the bird flu virus. "We got alerted as soon as the diet of any of our animals was reduced. They were administered immunity boosters," said the official. What followed was monitoring every four hours. As per the CZA protocol, samples of 13 more animals, collected randomly, were sent to the testing laboratory, NIHSAD, in Bhopal. The decision on opening the zoo will be taken depending on the reports being negative. The zoo was closed on May 13 for visitors. The first death reported was of a tigress on May 7. A total of eight of its animals tested positive for the infection, out of which three died and five were treated and declared 'negative' for the H5N1 strain. It was the first such case of a bird flu outbreak in a zoo. After the infection was first reported at Gorakhpur zoo, CM Yogi Adityanath held a high-level meeting on the matter and ordered the necessary precautions to be followed. All three zoos and the lion safari in Etawah were closed for visitors on May 13, following the outbreak of the infection. While Kanpur zoo was also affected, Lucknow zoo and the lion safari had their animals safe. Kanpur zoo is still closed, while the other two places were opened for visitors on May 29.


Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Goa zoo reopens after bird flu outbreak
Shut down for nearly three months due to a bird flu scare, Goa's only zoological park opened for visitors on Wednesday. The zoo, located inside the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, was closed on April 1 after three civets and two jungle cats died following a viral outbreak in the second week of March. Subsequently, authorities implemented precautionary measures, including isolating the affected enclosures, and restricted public access. The Forest department sent samples to ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal for testing. Forest department officials said the lab reports confirmed that the two jungle cats died due to avian influenza while the cause of deaths for the civets remained unknown. An order issued by Jiss K Varkey, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Eco-Tourism North Division on Wednesday, said, 'Consequent upon receipt of two consecutive negative test results for Avian influenza from ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal and in accordance with the guidelines of Central Zoo Authority, it is hereby ordered that the Bondla Zoological Park will be open for visitors with immediate effect.' In a post on X, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane announced that the zoo has been reopened. 'After a brief closure as a precautionary measure, Bondla Zoo has now reopened to visitors starting Wednesday, following confirmation that the samples tested negative for Avian Influenza by NIHSAD, Bhopal. The Forest Department of Goa, acted promptly and responsibly to ensure the health and safety of both animals and visitors.' Rane said all necessary biosecurity protocols were followed during this period. Officials said that according to the protocols of Central Zoo Authority, the zoo could only reopen after two consecutive negative test reports for avian influenza were received. Kamal Datta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, said, 'As soon as information was received about the possibility of the virus, the forest department took proactive action by closing the zoo immediately and sanitising the affected enclosures and taking other precautionary measures. Due to this, the spread of the virus to areas outside the zoo was prevented.'


Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Delhi Zoo mulls one-day animal adoption scheme to expand outreach
The National Zoological Park in Delhi has proposed a new adoption scheme that would allow visitors to adopt animals for as short as a single day. The plan, currently awaiting approval, aims to replace the zoo's existing year-long adoption model with more flexible options, including monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and daily terms, as per the zoo officials. 'At present, the adoption is only available for a one-year term and involves a formal stamp paper agreement. We are proposing changes that would allow people to adopt animals for a shorter duration, from a single day to a few months…on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and yearly basis,' said Dr Sanjeet Kumar, Delhi Zoo Director. He added, 'The aim is to simplify the procedure…reduce the entry barrier and broaden the scope of participation for adoption benefits.' In Indian zoos, 'adoption' is not a transfer of custody or ownership. The animal is not taken home or taken into legal possession. Instead, the adopter contributes money towards the care of the zoo animal— similar to a voluntary sponsorship or donation. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) doesn't explicitly mention 'adoption' in the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009 and the CZA's Guidelines for Scientific Management of Zoos. However, it is encouraged for public engagement. As per an official CZA document, 'In addition to educational programmes, zoos need support for upkeep of animals and enclosures, conservation efforts, science and recreation missions.' It added, 'Corporate sponsorship and support are important in these areas. Corporates are offered a range of activities and programmes which they can choose to support. These may range from a specific animal or exhibit to funding research or conservation projects.' At present, the Delhi Zoo's adoption programme requires a minimum commitment of one year, formalised after entering into an agreement with the zoo management. The scheme, launched in the pandemic year 2022, allows the public, animal lovers, corporates, celebrities and educational institutions to adopt animals by contributing to their food, medical care, and upkeep. 'Through this scheme, the zoos shall be in more direct public contact with enhanced accountability.' Annual fees vary depending on the species — from Rs 700 for birds to Rs 6 lakh for elephants. In return, adopters receive benefits such as an adoption membership card, certificate, visit permit, and name featured in signage in front of the animal's enclosure. The current scheme, while open to individuals, has so far seen greater uptake from corporate donors, as per zoo officials. However, the scheme calls for adopters to use it as 'a great gift of adopted animals for birthdays or anniversaries to family members of friends, children or relatives.' Meanwhile, the revised plan envisions significantly lower adoption fees for short durations, starting at Rs 100 to around Rs 500 for a one-day adoption of smaller animals, said zoo officials. By introducing short-term and lower-cost options, the zoo hopes to draw in more citizens, added Dr Kumar. 'The plan is still at the proposal stage…Complete details of the adoption scheme can be clarified only after the necessary approvals,' he said.


India Today
11-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Hyderabad to get India's largest tunnel-style aquarium by 2026. Key details
Hyderabad is preparing to unveil the largest tunnel-style aquarium in India, offering a truly immersive marine experience. Spread across 4,000 square metres, the aquarium will GIVE the feeling of walking under the ocean, with sharks, coral fish, and other marine creatures swimming the city already has aquariums, this upcoming project will be the most advanced and expansive to date. Located in Nehru Zoological Park, the project will cost Rs 50 crore and will be built under a public-private approved by the Central Zoo Authority, construction will begin, and the aquarium is expected to open to the public by EXPERTISE, INDIAN INNOVATION This state-of-the-art facility will be developed with help from marine specialists from Singapore and Australia, along with Indian engineers and designers. It will feature climate-controlled systems, sustainable design, and immersive design draws inspiration from other renowned Indian marine attractions like Ahmedabad's Science City and Kerala's Marine MEETS CONSERVATIONMore than just an attraction, the aquarium is described as a 'living classroom.' It will include thematic zones representing rivers, lakes, coral reefs, and deep-sea can enjoy digital guides, augmented reality experiences, and curated educational tours. Marine life from across the globe, including Amazonian arowanas, African cichlids, and rare deep-sea species, will be HYDERABAD?advertisementHyderabad is rapidly rising as a tech and innovation hub. With growing sectors in biotech, pharma, and startups, the city offers modern infrastructure, affordable living, quality education, and a cosmopolitan aquarium adds to the city's image as a forward-thinking, family-friendly urban centre blending heritage with futuristic development.


The Hindu
11-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Asiatic wild dog: Reviving India's elusive predator
As dawn breaks over the Eastern Ghats, the rustle of leaves and bird calls merge with a flurry of movement inside the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam. Away from public view in a quiet, forested space of the zoo lies India's only conservation breeding centre for the endangered Asiatic wild dog, also known as the dhole (Cuon alpinus). The breeding season has begun, a time of heightened activity and calm. The rust-red dholes, lithe and full of kinetic energy, dart and leap across their large enclosures. Their piercing eyes scan every movement. 'They're incredibly alert, agile and difficult to restrain,' says Dr Bhanu, the zoo's veterinarian. 'Administering vaccines or medical aid is only possible through a blowpipe, due to their fidgety and skittish nature.' By 8am, animal keeper Chinna arrives, clutching a thick notebook, his log of daily observations. The dholes recognise his presence, as if wired to an internal clock that alerts them it's feeding time. Among the 40 dholes currently housed at the centre, including 16 pups, a few potential breeding pairs have been identified. 'We first allow the pair to get used to each other's presence by keeping them close, but separated by a partition in the night kraal for two to three weeks,' explains Dr Bhanu. 'If no signs of aggression appear, they're moved into the day kraal together.' The mating ritual is brief, lasting just three to five days. Once pregnant, the female enters a 62 to 63-day gestation period. About three weeks before delivery, she begins exhibiting denning behaviour, a clear signal for keepers to prepare. 'A quiet, undisturbed environment is critical,' says G Mangamma, curator of the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park. 'That's why our breeding centre is off-display. We've also designed four dens that closely mimic wild dens with natural cover.' The breeding journey of dholes at Visakhapatnam Zoo began three decades ago. In 1992 and again in 1994, wild dholes from the Eastern Ghats, one male and five cubs, were inadvertently trapped in open moats and retained by the zoo authorities. Over the years, through careful pairing and observation, they grew the stock into a small but genetically valuable population. A key milestone came in December 2006, when the alpha female gave birth to nine pups, a record litter at the time. Commprehensive mission Since then, Visakhapatnam's facility has become a national hub for dhole conservation. In 2006, the Central Zoo Authority sanctioned a Small Grants Fellowship to initiate in-depth research into dhole reproduction and behaviour under the leadership of then curator B Vijay Kumar. Today, the centre operates with a comprehensive mission to breed dholes in captivity, maintain a healthy gene pool, and contribute to global understanding of this elusive canid. Dholes are known for their complex social structures. Unlike solitary predators, they live and breed in packs with a strong hierarchy. 'Successful breeding happens in stable groups,' says Mangamma. 'Single-pair enclosures rarely work, so we are collaborating with other zoos like Nehru Zoological Park Hyderabad, Arignar Anna Zoological Park Vandalur and Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park Tirupati to establish social groups and bring in new genetic material.' The breeding enclosures themselves are thoughtfully constructed, sprawled across 2,662 square metres, lined with native trees like jamun, neem, and bamboo. There are shaded patches, water pools, sunlit clearings and enough space for the animals to express their natural behaviour. Dholes here can leap, play, rest and dig, just as they would in the wild. Post-partum, the mother is rarely seen, emerging briefly for food or to check for predators. Keepers observe from a distance to minimise stress. 'Sometimes, if a pup is born weak or the mother feels threatened, she may kill her own young,' says Mangamma. 'This is a known behaviour in carnivores. It's a survival strategy.' Challenges Despite its successes, the breeding centre faces several challenges: the small founder population, genetic bottlenecks and limited proven breeders. To address these, the zoo plans a series of research and collaborative initiatives. If supported by the Central Zoo Authority, future studies will include faecal DNA analysis for genetic profiling, development of dhole ethograms (behavioral blueprints), restraint protocols to reduce capture stress and enhanced inter-zoo data sharing networks. The ultimate goal? 'To create a genetically diverse, behaviourally sound captive population that can serve as a source for potential reintroductions into protected wild habitats,' explains curator Mangamma. Each dhole at the breeding centre is tagged using non-toxic dyes or ear tags. Individual histories are meticulously recorded, from medical records to breeding logs. A technical assistant and biologist have been engaged to maintain animal history sheets and studbooks, forming the backbone of the breeding programme's scientific documentation. 'There's still so much we don't know about dhole biology,' says Mangamma. 'Our data collection will help fill the gaps from mating rituals to pup development.' Conservation breeding is more than a numbers game. 'It's a long-term commitment to understanding and protecting a species,' she adds. Dholes face mounting threats in the wild. 'Shrinking prey base, habitat loss and increasing human conflict are some of them. Captive breeding provides a safety net, but it also serves as a living laboratory to deepen our understanding of the species,' says zoo biologist G Purushottam. The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is poised to become a referral centre for dhole conservation in India. With support from wildlife institutes like Wildlife Institute of India Dehradun and LACONES Hyderabad and from government and academic institutions, this off-display sanctuary for the wild dogs has the potential to become the heart of dhole conservation efforts in the subcontinent.