GUWAHATI: Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden in Guwahati will soon welcome some new animals from different countries including Zebras and white-winged wood ducks.
“Four zebras from Israel would be brought to the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati in exchange for two black panthers. Further, four white-winged wood ducks (deo hah) will arrive from the Czech Republic,” Assam Minister for Environment and Forest, Parimal Suklabaidya informed.
Suklabaidya visited the Assam State Zoo on Friday, June 11, to enquire about the health condition of zookeepers and animals.
The Minister, accompanied by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Dr. Amit Sahai and Divisional Forest Officer (State Zoo) Tejas Mariswamy, thanked the zookeepers for taking care of the animals during the COVID-19 pandemic. 11 zookeepers were previously afflicted with COVID-19, out of which one is presently positive and in isolation.
"As of now, not a single animal is being affected by the disease and all the animals and birds are healthy and in good spirits," Suklabaidya informed.
He further stated that fresh grass is being grown for the herbivores in the hydroponic system and animals like rhinos, deer, nilgai, and blackbucks feed daily on that.
The state zoo had been closed to visitors since April 28, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Minister revealed that even though the cash registers have not been tinkling, there are no immediate plans to open the zoo in the greater interest of the animals as well as zookeepers.
"There are no immediate plans to open the zoo till the COVID situation returns to normal," he asserted.
