Kanpur zoo steps up efforts to protect its felines from corona

Abhinav Malhotra | TNN | Apr 9, 2020, 04:09 IST

Under Threat?

Kanpur: After Central Zoo Authority (CZA) asked all the zoos across the country to remain on high alert following the news of a tiger in Bronx Zoo in New York testing positive for Covid-19, Kanpur zoo authorities too have stepped up their efforts in saving felines from the deadly virus.
Kanpur zoo houses nine tigers, five lions, 22 leopards, two jungle cats and one leopard..
All vehicles are being sanitized and are passed through a tyre bath at the zoo entrance. The zoo staff are screened and asked to sanitize hands before entering the zoo premises.
All field staff has been provided necessary protective gears.
“All the enclosures are being sanitized regularly. More PPE kits are being procured,” said Kanpur Zoo director Sunil Chaudhary.
“CCTV network in feline houses is further being strengthened. All animals, especially those from the cat family, are being monitored by zoo vets,” Chaudhary added.
Felines are being supplemented with immuno modulators to enhance their immunity.
“Isolation cages have been marked and sanitized”, said senior zoo vet Dr RK Singh.
Dr Singh added that he was in contact with the chief veterinary officer of Kanpur district for exchange of any know-how.
Though all the measures were already enforced since March 17, further measures are being taken due to new developments, he said.
All CZA guidelines are being followed.
Meanwhile, a tiger who was rescued from Pilibhit, has been housed at Kanpur Zoo hospital and is now under the observation of zoo vets.