By September this year, the Capital’s National Zoological Park will have a world-class hospital, with its own upgraded operation theatre, ultra sound machine, laser instruments and high-quality laboratory equipment.
Renovated and upgraded at a cost of Rs.20-25 lakh, this latest venture is part of the zoo’s master plan to enhance its health care facility to ensure better care and prevention of commonly occurring diseases among its inmates.
Speaking to The Hindu about the upgradation, the zoo’s veterinary Dr. Paneer Selvam said: “We felt that there was an urgent need to ensure that our animals/birds benefit from the advancement in technology. Over the years we have had to hire equipment from outside to help in diagnosis. We wanted to change that scenario and ensure that our inmates get immediate relief and that their condition is accurately diagnosed.’’
The hospital is looking at getting fully functional biochemistry and pathology laboratories, semi and fully automatic blood analysers, microscope with camera, etc., to ensure that accurate and fast diagnosis can be done.
“Till recently we were sending our inmates’ blood samples outside and would get the results in two days or so. With the new equipment we will be able to offer immediate diagnosis and health care to animals. The relief provided will be faster and more accurate,’’ added Dr. Selvam.
The veterinarian also explained that recently the zoo had to hire an ultrasound machine to check if a tigress was pregnant.
“We also hope that with the upgradation, infection control will be better. We have found that infighting, tuberculosis and rabies are the most rampant cause of injury and deaths in the zoo. We have now started providing anti-rabies vaccination to all animals and anti-tuberculosis tablets to all animals. These tablets are given continuously for three months in a year. This is usually done during April, May and June,’’ said Dr. Selvam.
Meanwhile, currently lodged in the hospital is a pair of hyena that has been pulled out of display because of infighting, and three new porcupine offsprings.
