Hyderabad Zoo steps up vigil against Covid

Hyderabad: With Covid showing that it spared none, including animals, authorities at the Nehru Zoological Park here are putting in place precautionary steps to ensure that the virus does not enter the animal enclosures.

“So far, all the animals at the Nehru Zoological Park are healthy. However, to make sure that the rising cases in the city do not affect the animals, we are taking a few precautionary steps. Our veterinarians are keeping a close check on all animals. They are monitoring their behaviour, eating and sleeping patterns. All our staff members wear masks every time they are in close proximity with the animals,” NZP Curator S Rajashekhar said.

During the second wave of the pandemic in the city last year, eight Asiatic lions at the Nehru Zoological Park had tested positive for Covid-19. The samples of the lions, as collected from nose, throat and respiratory tract under anaesthesia, were shared with CCMB-LaCONES, after the big cats showed signs of respiratory distress.

The increasing number of Covid cases in the city has also resulted in a steep decline in the number of visitors at the zoo.

“The number of visitors has certainly gone down in the last few weeks. We are getting only about 40 per cent footfall, which translates to around 2,000 visitors every day. The staff is ensuring that no one is allowed inside the premises without a mask. Since the zoo area is very big, it is easier for us to ensure social distance as well. Even on the safari buses, we are strictly following all Covid protocols,” Rajashekhar said.

Extra precaution is also being taken to protect the animals from the cold-wave like situation in the city, he said.

Located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the night temperatures at the zoo have dropped by three to four degrees in the last one week.

“We are ensuring that the cages are well-heated at night so that they do not face any discomfort. Our staff is well-trained to handle any kind of situation,” the Curator said.

The Nehru Zoological Park currently houses about 2,000 animals and birds of over 190 species.

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