Chennai: In this week’s Zoo Tales featuring Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP) aka Vandalur Zoo, we bring to the readers about the various safety measures and arrangements made by the AAZP authorities.

Speaking to News Today, AAZP deputy director Sudha Ramen said Vandalur Zoo has no human-animal conflict so far and based on the instructions of director S Yuvaraj several new initiatives are also being taken to make the zoo visit more enjoyable and safe.

From the outset people may not be able to see the hardwork that goes in maintaining and running a zoo. However, everyone including the animal keeper, ranger, veterinarians and administrative officials have a specified role to perform.

“At present we have 32 CCTV installed at strategic locations inside the zoo premises. The entire zoo is connected through OFC cable which makes it easy to add new cameras wherever needed,” she said.

Speaking about the crowd management, she said public addressing systems are kept in place and sign boards to create awareness among the people have been kept.

“Things become challenging during the festival seasons, especially during Kaanum Pongal.  This year, we had 45,000 footfalls on that particular day. We introduced optional labelling system to ensure that no child goes missing.

Despite this a few children missing were reported, however they were all found within an hour because of the swift action taken by the foresters,” she said.

She further said, on normal days a patrol team goes on rounds keeping an eye on the visitors and giving out instructions.

About incidents of animal teasing and feeding, Sudha said, feeding of the animals is not possible due to the barricades.

However, people at times tease the animals mostly out of curiosity or ignorance. “At the sight of first violation we warn them. Mostly there won’t be repeat offenders,” she said.

SAFETY MEASURES

Sudha said, the best of the safety measures are in place to protect the animals from humans and vice-versa.

“No animal is kept in close contact with the public. Enough amount of barriers have been placed between the inmates and the visitors. Animal keepers are always present near the enclosures to keep an eye on the visitors,” she said.

Speaking about the protection of the animals, she said, “As far as the animals are concerned we have enough safety protocol. There are strong cages and reinforcements are given to particular animals where it is required. We have triple lock system in the cages of big cats so that all chances of escaping are eliminated.  After the zoo is closed for the visitors, the animal keeper locks the animal in the cage.  The forester incharge will recheck the lock.”

Right now we have CCTV only in the yard where the animals roam and very soon cameras will be kept in the animal cage so that their movement can be monitored even during night, she added.

At present enclosures are getting monsoon ready and special arrangements are being made to ensure that the animals are safe during the rainy season.

ANIMAL EXCHANGE AND HYENA ESCAPE

Exchange of animals happen based on the demand and requirement at various zoos. Before an exchange happens, at first the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) will be informed and the details will be entered in Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).

Only after the approval is given arrangements from the transfer will be taken. After checking the animal’s health, it will be quarantined and once the animal is acclimatised to the conditions, it will be put up for display.

The Hyena which recently escaped its enclosure was brought from the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysore.

“It was violent even as it was brought. As soon as it was reported that the animal had escaped. We started the combing operation by forming special teams.  We were able to rule out certain places based on the CCTV footages. After this we came to the conclusion that the animal must be in one particular spot which does not come under the camera’s radar.  Traps and cages were set and the animal was caught finally with the help of the veterinarians,” she added.

THE BREEDING SOP:

Sudha said once an animal gets to the breeding stage, special arrangements will be made to ensure that it is given healthy  diet.

The animal keeper will be present in the zoo premises through out the gestation period. Any significant change, she/he will immediately inform it to the veterinarians. Special feed is given to the off spring and it is health is monitored. Both the mother and the baby will be taken away from the influence of the visitors. They will be put in display only after their health condition improves.