If you want a close sight of tigers inside the cages at a handshake distance in Delhi zoo, a meagre sum of Rs40 above the entry fee is what it takes for this exclusive entry. Nothing has changed here after a 20-year-old youth was mauled by a white tiger in the zoo. All the talks of the zoo authorities to put strict security measures in place are balderdash. The caretakers of Delhi zoological park are engaging in this malpractice and the zoo administration has chosen to look the other way.
“You will get to see just one tiger in Rs40. You can get an exclusive sight of three tigers inside if you pay extra sum,” said a caretaker of Bengal tigers. Starting from Rs100, the amount takes a plunge to Rs30 to 40 depending on your bargaining skills. “At least pay Rs100, you will get to see tigers from very close,” he said with a mischievous smile. After being coaxed to scale down the amount, he says, “Achha 30 rupayee dedo (let’s settle for Rs30).” On an average, caretakers at least make an extra income of nearly Rs200 daily, said a security guard.
To keep things under the wraps, the staff is mindful of the presence of higher authorities. “Keep a vigil outside the gate till I take bring them out,” the caretaker warns the guard.
While some visitors are completely unaware of such practice, some recall their experience with the caretakers in the zoo. “A year ago when I came to lion’s enclosure, I was asked to pay Rs500 for an exclusive entry inside the enclosure. Finally I got an entry at Rs40,” said Raman Bisht, a visitor.
“Keep away from the animals, they attack,” the caretaker warned. Owing to the unpredictable behaviour of animals, the zoo staff abstains from coming too close to the animals inside the enclosure. From deficient food to contaminated water, the animals are exposed to terrible conditions.
“The physical and mental frustrations of such captivity lead to abnormal, neurotic and even self-destructive behaviour such as constant rocking, swaying, circling, pacing, head bobbing or even self-mutilation in animals in zoos. Our investigations of zoos across India have revealed horrific conditions including deficiencies in food, drinking water, housing, veterinary care, safety and environmental enrichment,” said an animal expert, PETA.
“People shouldn’t be allowed inside the tigers’ cage for money. That is a recipe for disaster. Tigers are wild animals which belong to nature, not domesticated housecats. This is one more example of how human errors in zoos cannot be prevented by any reforms and closing down the zoos is the only solution,” he added. However, no official from the zoo was available for the comment.