MYSURU: The physical condition of over 50 tigers, 100 leopards, 30 lions and primates in captivity in the nine zoos in the state are being closely monitored in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic. According to zoo authorities, all the mammals are hale and hearty.
A tiger in Bronx Zoo in New York has tested positive to novel coronavirus and this has left authorities here worried . Forest officials say that after a domestic cat, as per reports, contracted the virus in Hong Kong, they have been following all precautionary guidelines as per protocol in view of safety of animals in captivity.
Zoo Authority of Karnataka member-secretary BP Ravi, who is incharge of all nine zoos of Karnataka, told TOI that they are on alert for the past three weeks following a report that a domestic cat in Hong Kong was tested positive to Covid-19.
“We’re keeping a tab on animals—whether they are consuming food regularly and their activities—round-the-clock. All cats and primates are going strong,” he said.
“All bio safety measures have been put in place soon after the outbreak of Covid-19. Thermal screening of employees—animal keepers, veterinarians, assistant veterinarians, and officers—is done every day before they enter the zoo premises. Wearing mask, using hand sanitizers and maintaining social distance among workers are being strictly followed. Food being supplied to are being checked. All food supply vehicles are disinfected before they check into the premises. Masks and sanitizers too are provided to workers involved in supply of food stuff. We’re planning to install GPS in all vehicles to monitor their movements on real-time basis,” said Ravi.
“We’re worried about primates. We have chimps at Mysuru zoo and a host of mammals. Keepers are told to follow all the guidelines and also directed how to be at home. Keepers at animal rescue centre at Koorgalli are provided facility to stay there as a precautionary measure,” said Ravi.
Head of Karnataka Forest Forces and principal chief conservator of forests Punati Sridhar said necessary precautions have been taken to protect animals in captivity from Covid-19 virus.
‘No direct handling of animals in India’
According to ZAK member-secretary BP Ravi, Mysuru zoo has 15 tigers and five primates. In all, Karnataka has over 50 tigers, more than 100 leopards and 25 lions. Over 1,500 different animals, birds and reptiles are housed in the 128-year-old Mysuru zoo.
“One good practice in India is that the Central Zoo Authority doesn’t encourage animal handling by humans directly like in United States. Keepers and vets here don’t intervene unless any animal requires any medical aid. Handling of animals in US is different,” he said.
Zoo employees living in Nanjangud given leave
A few employees of Mysuru zoo living in Nanjangud, which has reported nearly two dozen Covid-19 positive cases, have been granted paid leave as a precautionary measure, said Ravi. A few employees from Bannur too were asked not to attend work. “We’re thinking of monitoring the movement of employees after taking them into confidence in view of safety of animals in captivity as well as employees of the facility,” he said
Frozen meat
Meanwhile, after supply of beef was hit in Bengaluru, the authorities have decided to provide frozen chicken to animals in Bannerghatta. Barring the Bannerghatta Biological Park, there is no problem in supply of beef in other places and officials continue to provide beef to carnivorous animals.
A tiger in Bronx Zoo in New York has tested positive to novel coronavirus and this has left authorities here worried . Forest officials say that after a domestic cat, as per reports, contracted the virus in Hong Kong, they have been following all precautionary guidelines as per protocol in view of safety of animals in captivity.
Zoo Authority of Karnataka member-secretary BP Ravi, who is incharge of all nine zoos of Karnataka, told TOI that they are on alert for the past three weeks following a report that a domestic cat in Hong Kong was tested positive to Covid-19.
“We’re keeping a tab on animals—whether they are consuming food regularly and their activities—round-the-clock. All cats and primates are going strong,” he said.
“All bio safety measures have been put in place soon after the outbreak of Covid-19. Thermal screening of employees—animal keepers, veterinarians, assistant veterinarians, and officers—is done every day before they enter the zoo premises. Wearing mask, using hand sanitizers and maintaining social distance among workers are being strictly followed. Food being supplied to are being checked. All food supply vehicles are disinfected before they check into the premises. Masks and sanitizers too are provided to workers involved in supply of food stuff. We’re planning to install GPS in all vehicles to monitor their movements on real-time basis,” said Ravi.
“We’re worried about primates. We have chimps at Mysuru zoo and a host of mammals. Keepers are told to follow all the guidelines and also directed how to be at home. Keepers at animal rescue centre at Koorgalli are provided facility to stay there as a precautionary measure,” said Ravi.
Head of Karnataka Forest Forces and principal chief conservator of forests Punati Sridhar said necessary precautions have been taken to protect animals in captivity from Covid-19 virus.
‘No direct handling of animals in India’
According to ZAK member-secretary BP Ravi, Mysuru zoo has 15 tigers and five primates. In all, Karnataka has over 50 tigers, more than 100 leopards and 25 lions. Over 1,500 different animals, birds and reptiles are housed in the 128-year-old Mysuru zoo.
“One good practice in India is that the Central Zoo Authority doesn’t encourage animal handling by humans directly like in United States. Keepers and vets here don’t intervene unless any animal requires any medical aid. Handling of animals in US is different,” he said.
Zoo employees living in Nanjangud given leave
A few employees of Mysuru zoo living in Nanjangud, which has reported nearly two dozen Covid-19 positive cases, have been granted paid leave as a precautionary measure, said Ravi. A few employees from Bannur too were asked not to attend work. “We’re thinking of monitoring the movement of employees after taking them into confidence in view of safety of animals in captivity as well as employees of the facility,” he said
Frozen meat
Meanwhile, after supply of beef was hit in Bengaluru, the authorities have decided to provide frozen chicken to animals in Bannerghatta. Barring the Bannerghatta Biological Park, there is no problem in supply of beef in other places and officials continue to provide beef to carnivorous animals.
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