Mysuru zoo upgrades enclosures for greater apes

Mysuru: The zoo that has been housing greater apes since decades is reworking on its enclosures following suggestions by experts from across the globe. Iron grills of the rooms are being replaced with stainless steel and house height is being raised.
The modernised houses for chimpanzee, gorilla and orangutan are assumed to be perfectly suited for the apes in captivity. The work is expected to be completed in six weeks’ time.
Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murty has sponsored the upgraded enclosures. She inspected the work progress at the zoo recently.
Zoo has a separate section for apes which has been a favourite spot for the visitors with chimpanzees Wali and Guru, and gorilla Polo entertaining visitors during their time. They were the star attractions of Mysuru Zoo for decades.
The zoo authorities now have plans to display all these greater apes in a renewed atmosphere as per the international standards. The houses are being redesigned with stainless steel grills. The decision for gentle railing has been taken as the apes hold it most of the day when in the enclosure.
Sources claimed the 129-year-old Mysuru Zoo approached zoo authorities in Germany from where it had received the apes including Polo in the 1980’s, seeking apes. It was then that the experts laid down conditions and asked them to redesign the enclosure before handing over the apes. Sources confirmed that the zoo has received a gorilla and orangutan which will be displayed once the enclosures are ready.
Mysuru Zoo executive director Ajit Kulkarni confirmed to TOI that greater ape houses are being upgraded to meet international standards following suggestions from experts.” Improvements are being made to existing enclosures focussing on animals’ comfort, safety and hygiene. The houses are being sponsored by Infosys Foundation and are likely to be operational in just over a month’s time,” he added.