Mysuru: The major source of revenue for the zoos in the state is gate collection and a huge chunk of it is spent on animal care. With zoos closed due to lockdown, there is no revenue and the authorities have sought financial support from the government for the maintenance of animals and upkeep of the zoo.
There are nine zoos in the state situated in Mysuru, Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Hampi, Belagavi, Davanagere, Kalaburagi, Gadag and Chitradurga. They have been closed to visitors since March 15 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Animals continue to be fed and taken care of with zoological staff clocking in as usual. Zoo authorities are worried that even after relaxation of lockdown norms on May 3, the footfalls could be very less.
A zoo officer told TOI that gate collection is the major source of income for the zoos whereas revenue from vehicle parking, bank interest and others sources is negligible. Veterinary care and daily feed of the animals which includes beef, chicken, vegetables, fish, seasonal fruits and food supplements takes major share of the revenue. There are animals lovers who are providing financial assistance by adopting animals which is encouraging,” the officer said.
Mysuru Zoo and Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru are the two major revenue generating zoos in the state. Mysuru Zoo witnessed the highest footfall in 2018 with 1.53 lakh visitors and had Rs 1.05 crore revenue while BBP had Rs 16.01 lakh visitors with Rs 21.70 crore from gate collection.Zoo Authority of Karnataka member secretary BP Ravi told TOI that they have sought grants from the government. “Zoo authorities are feeding the animals and all the animals are in good health,” he said.
There are nine zoos in the state situated in Mysuru, Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Hampi, Belagavi, Davanagere, Kalaburagi, Gadag and Chitradurga. They have been closed to visitors since March 15 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Animals continue to be fed and taken care of with zoological staff clocking in as usual. Zoo authorities are worried that even after relaxation of lockdown norms on May 3, the footfalls could be very less.
A zoo officer told TOI that gate collection is the major source of income for the zoos whereas revenue from vehicle parking, bank interest and others sources is negligible. Veterinary care and daily feed of the animals which includes beef, chicken, vegetables, fish, seasonal fruits and food supplements takes major share of the revenue. There are animals lovers who are providing financial assistance by adopting animals which is encouraging,” the officer said.
Mysuru Zoo and Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru are the two major revenue generating zoos in the state. Mysuru Zoo witnessed the highest footfall in 2018 with 1.53 lakh visitors and had Rs 1.05 crore revenue while BBP had Rs 16.01 lakh visitors with Rs 21.70 crore from gate collection.Zoo Authority of Karnataka member secretary BP Ravi told TOI that they have sought grants from the government. “Zoo authorities are feeding the animals and all the animals are in good health,” he said.
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