GUWAHATI: Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati is home to several exotic animals that await legal clearance to be displayed at the Zoo.
Although the Zoo has many rescued exotic wildlife species, smuggled or rescued from places like Australia, South America and Malaysia which may soon become a big attraction for visitors at Assam state zoo here after legal clearance.
Shankar Sarma, the FVO (Forest Veterinary Officer) in the State Zoo said, “Animals which are either in transit to be sold for illegal purposes, exotic pets, injured animals are often seized by respective authorities and are brought to the Zoo. Animals recently arrived from Hajo, Karbi Anglong and Silchar.” He said there are several exotic animals inside the premises of the Zoo but these animals are not currently allowed for public display.
“Mostly, these animals come in a very bad condition but due to our care and facilities, they recover. But in order to display these animals, we have to acquire permission from the Central Zoo Authority. There are also ongoing court cases in regard to some animals,” Sarma added.
Meanwhile, Rajib Dey, a visitor at the Zoo with his children told G Plus, “I stay nearby so we still visit whenever we find time. I like a walk amidst nature but there is no doubt that the Zoo has deteriorated. There aren’t enough exotic animals”.
There was big talk, back in February of 2021 that a couple of Zebras from Israel will be brought to the city Zoo. “The Zebras aren’t here yet. Due to Covid restrictions, our term period ended before we could bring in the animals safely. There are efforts underway to renew the agreement, we are expecting to welcome the Zebras to our Zoo in November-December of this year,” Sarma further added.
The Zoo is one of the major tourist attractions in Guwahati and desperately needs eye-catching animals from which it can increase visitor revenue.
"Except for one Giraffe, a few Hippopotamus and three One-Horned Rhinos, there is nothing special or unique left in our Zoo for out-of-state tourists to enjoy. No court order has come to rehabilitate the rescued animals that have arrived here since 2020,” a zoo official said.
The oldest consignment dates back to July 2020, from which the officials said a Kangaroo, three exotic turtles, four blue macaw and two capuchin monkeys are still under the monitoring of the State Zoo authority. Other species include a wallaby, numerous primates, a golden-headed lion tamarin (endemic to Brazil), macaws, among others. The officials said most of these are endemic to Indonesia, Malaysia, South America and Australia.
The latest consignment arrived on September 8, as confirmed by Rangia Police while talking to G Plus. The Police rescued two Kangaroos, two Chimpanzees, two Parrots, 19 Monkeys and 18 Turtles. All of which are currently in the Zoo.
The question remains as to how long shall these animals await legal clearance to have a habitat and for the public to enjoy their existence.