Observing that zoos in the country were not fulfilling the purpose with which they were set up, Ranjit Singh, Chairman, Wildlife Trust of India, has called for revamping them by creating proper conditions for animals.
Disease-afflicted
He said the conditions in the zoos were sub-optimal and most of the animals were infected with diseases.
A large percentage was afflicted with Tuberculosis and communicable diseases.
While the carnivores were infected with intestinal problems due to consumption of sub-standard meat, deer and antelopes were suffering from communicable diseases.
Overcrowded
The zoos were facing the problems of overcrowding and insanitary conditions. The zoos were like menageries with the animals kept in “very poor” cage conditions.
‘Create empathy’
The purpose of zoo was to create empathy for animals and not mere viewing by people.
Zoos should also be fit places for critically endangered animals so that they could be put back in the wild.
‘Fewer animals’
The revamp, if necessary, should have fewer animals.
‘More funds’
He also suggested that more funds should be allocated for upkeep of the zoos.
