Uttarakhand has given Monal the status of a State bird. But there is not a single pair of this pheasant family bird even in the the G B Pant high altitude zoo, Nainital.
The interesting fact is that the 'inquisitiveness' of the zoo visitors to have a glimpse of this rare variety of bird has only necessitated presence of this bird in places like Nainital zoo.
Earlier there was a pair of the State bird Monal in this high altitude zoo, Nainital. But after its death, the G B Pant high altitude zoo has so far not been able to get a pair of the same bird.
The main reason why it is difficult to acquire any animal or bird for this zoo is that as per the wildlife laws only rescued birds or animals can be kept in the zoo, as the wildlife experts maintain.
According to the wildlife experts and birdwatchers Monal is found in upper Himalayan regions of the State i.e. in upper reaches of Uttarakashi, Pithoragarh's Askot, Dharchula to name a few places.
Since Monal's presence remains poor elsewhere, so 'inquisitiveness' among bird lovers always remain high to know more about this bird.
The officials concerned of the aforesaid zoo have been trying to secure a pair of this same bird, but it has not yet succeeded in this endeavour.
Now efforts are on to get a pair of Monal from the Himachal zoo, said Manoj Shah, Range officer of the
G B Pant High Altitude Zoo, Nainital. Hopefully, we would be able to get a pair of this State bird in the times to come, he added.
Interestingly, Monal acquired the status of a State bird only after Uttrakahnd came into existence about one and a half decade ago.
Given its declining population the State Government also had to declare the aforesaid bird an endangered bird species. But it has done little so far for the conservation of this rare variety of bird.
There are other varieties of pheasants like Kalij pheasant, silver pheasant , lady Amherst's pheasant, Red Jungle fowl, Golden pheasant, Hill Patridge, Edward pheasant, lineated Kalij pheasant to name a few which are becoming centre of attraction for the animal lovers particularly, children in this zoo. Besides, there are a number of inmate mammals like Himalayan Black Bear, Sambar, Barking Deer, Goral, Serow, Himalayan Civet, adding to the Nainital zoo populace.