The Hindu : 'Crisis period' over at Chennai zoo

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 28, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu-Chennai

'Crisis period' over at Chennai zoo

By S.Shanker

CHENNAI June 27. With mass screening of the vulnerable animal population for the parasitic disease, Tripanosomiasis, in progress at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park here, the zoo authorities are confident that the ``crisis period'' is over.

The authorities considered the 10 days from June 14 as ``highly critical'' after a tiger died on June 14 at the rescue centre, due to the disease.

The Madras Veterinary College also diagnosed the infection in tigers there.

As a precautionary measure, all lions and tigers were administered triquin, an antidote.

The wildlife experts feel that the authorities should take note of the recommendations made by the Environment Ministry's high-level committee that went into the Nandankanan episode.

The committee had suggested reduction of the zoo stock of tigers from 56 to 14.

Measures to curb proliferation of in-house stock, besides screening of zebra and deer to eliminate the possibility of ``animal reservoirs``were also recommended.

Advising supplementary diet for the carnivores, it wanted bushes near enclosures cleared and drains cleaned. Fly proof measures were also suggested.

The committee called for setting up a `Technical Advisory Committee' comprising experts from the zoo, veterinarians and academics.

For proactive measures, it suggested that the zoo establish a network with local institutions for seeking assistance.

Though not oblivious to the recommendations the Vandalur zoo Director, P.C.Tyagi, said there was no cause ``for us to over react''.

On the efficacy of blood smear tests, especially after the death of a tiger on June 14, proved negative to the disease on June 10, Mr. Tyagi said the rescued cat could have ``acquired the infection earlier''.

Interestingly, the authorities said the animal was the healthiest among the eight tigers at the rescue centre.

The centre has 30 lions and seven tigers under its care, while the zoo has 22 big cats.

Ruling out overcrowding, Mr.Tyagi said a decision against in-house breeding had been taken some time back. Milk, eggs and chicken, apart from beef, were being given as supplementary diet to the carnivores.

The tendering process to obtain fly-proof netting was over, but purchase had been put on hold due to financial constraints.

Conceding that the proximity of the rescue centre to the main zoo was a cause of concern, he said flies at the centre were not that of the Tebanid and stomoxys family - the mechanical carriers of the parasitic disease.

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