Rescued animals await clearance to enter Vandalur zoo

By P.Oppili

CHENNAI, JUNE 20. Eight lions and a couple of tigers await the clearance from the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) to enter their new home near the Vandalur zoo.

These animals have been rescued when they were illegally exhibited in mobile circuses at Kallakurichi in Villupuram district and near Veerapandi village in Theni district.

The zoo has constructed a rescue and rehabilitation centre for housing 30 lions and an equal number of tigers rescued from the circuses. Funds to the tune of Rs. 1.20 crores were provided by the CZAI for the construction of enclosures.

At present, the work has been completed for housing 30 lions and 15 tigers and only finishing touches had to be given to the 15 enclosures, say the zoo officials.

Last month, the Indian Circus Federation filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court, seeking the lifting of the ban imposed by the Union Government on using performing animals such as elephants, tigers, panthers, bears and monkeys in the circus. However, the court dismissed the petition and upheld the ban.

However, even a month after the judgement, the rescue and rehabilitation centres have not received the animals. The zoo authorities have to recruit veterinarians, animal keepers and other staff to maintain the place. This could be possible only when the CZAI announces the arrival of animals to the new centre, say the officials.

Though the Supreme Court dismissed the petition, the authorities are confused over which animals should be sent to which rescue centre, as four centres are being constructed in the Southern States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Hence, the delay in the arrival of animals, say the Forest department sources.

When contacted, Mr P.R.Sinha, Member Secretary, CZAI, said after sorting out the destinations of the animals, they would be sent to the different centres. The Vandalur Centre would receive 30 lions and 30 tigers.

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