Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) has established a centre on wild-life studies and research.
The centre is located in the College of Veterinary complete with teaching, research facilities and a well established diagnostic laboratory. It will also provide specialist services to address problems emanating from the zoo.
No centres
Presently there is no comprehensive specialized centre to address the problems faced by wild and zoo animals in Punjab.
University experts often visit the zoo premises for therapeutic or surgical interventions.
They also provide regular consultations for better redressal and assistance to state wild life agencies in areas of mortality investigations, disease preventions and management problems.
The establishment of a Wild-life Centre in GADVASU will help to solve problems of wild and zoo animals which also suffer from myriad of diseases.
The establishment of wild life centre would facilitate detailed understanding of how the health of wild and zoo animals can be optimally managed using specialization in fields such as genetics, molecular biology, reproductive technology, nutrition, environmental physiology, behavioural sciences.
Future plans
The University in future is also planning to establish a mini zoo to support conservation of endangered and rare species through breeding under captive conditions.
It will also aim to educate, motivate and create awareness in the society about the need for conserving wildlife, biodiversity and natural resources.
Educational experience
The creation of a mini zoo in the University will also be an educational experience for students of schools and budding veterinary professionals.
(Harpreet Singh, Directorate of extension education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, email: editorgadvasu@gmail.com, mobile: 98159-09003.)