Kerala: Zookeepers to work under direct supervision

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The zoo authorities gave instructions to zookeepers in charge of snake enclosures to always work in the presence of a supervisor in the wake of the recent death of Harshad from a snakebite.
In a meeting held here on Monday, the authorities directed the keepers that if any of them work alone in an enclosure beyond the stipulated time schedule, they should promptly inform their immediate supervisor.
Harshad, who lay unconscious on the enclosure's floor before he died, was spotted by another zookeeper who was returning after work in the nearby bear enclosure.
“The zookeepers go on lunch break from noon to 2pm. Many of them would be around the office for the break during this time. However, some keepers stay back due to work and, this results in a situation where they are exposed alone to dangers in animal enclosures. We don’t want any such incidents to recur in the zoo hence, we have asked all of them to keep the supervisors informed if they stay back for work so that there would be a system to monitor their safety,” said a zoo official.
According to the authorities, the back cage was kept out of surveillance since the zookeeper's cabin is also located there. The keepers have been advised not to put their hands inside the back cage from that area.
The master plan of the zoo includes a section on disaster management which covers steps to be taken in case of natural disasters, fire, civil disturbances. Contingency plans have also been prepared for animal escape, rescued animals, monkey menace, power failure, disease outbreaks, animal infighting and snakebites.
As per the plan, to manage emergencies like snake bites, 15 to 20 vials of polyvalent antivenin are kept at the zoo hospital at all times. Besides, there are many reputed hospitals nearby that are in a position to manage such medical emergencies, the plan says. However, both these couldn’t be of help in Harshad's case. “We have polyvalent snake venom at our hospital and ensured availability of any number of vials at District Veterinary Centre, which is close by and nearby medical stores in case we need more but, this is not effective for King Cobra,” the officials said.