It was a shock for animal lovers of Jharkhand when fatal Babesiosis had killed six inmates at the Birsa Zoological Park and forced five lions and a tigress to migrate to the Indira Gandhi Zoological Rescue Centre at Vishakhapatanam in 2006.
Now it is payback time for Vizag and to cheer back home. One of the most loved destinations for wildlife lovers, families and children in this part of the State, the Birsa Zoo is all set to reclaim its assets from the “treasurer” where it has been kept safely for over the last seven years now.
“We have written a letter on January 4 to Vishakhapatanam center to reclaim at least one pair of lion and one pair of tiger against the animals sent there due to health concerns. As soon as we get their response the matter would be sent to the central zoo authority for its approval,” AK Patra, Director of Birsa Zoological Park told The Pioneer on Wednesday.
Babesiosis is a malaria-like parasitic disease caused by infection with Babesia, a genus of protozoal piroplasms. Babesia is thought to be the second most common blood parasite of mammals that was on prowl in 2006 taking lives as many as six animals in a month time in the zoo. The epidemic had eaten up four tigers, a tigress and a leopard that has forced the central zoo authorities to direct the Birsa Zoo to reduce the population of lions and tigers in the enclosures.
If approved, the treasure of the zoo, which currently houses a pair of big cat and two lionesses, would be richer by at least one couple of both the mammals. “We had sent three lionesses, two lions and one tigress at that time. After getting everything cleared, we hope to get younger big canines in return,” said Dr Ajay Kumar, veterinary doctor at the Zoo which is now lot fitter with animal health requirements, full-time veterinarian and support staffs, a well equipped operation theatre and pathological laboratory.
This apart, the authorities are also in touch with Veterinary College, Chennai to purchase a pair of ostrich which is missing the wardrobe so far. “As per earlier rate we have offered Rs 50,000 for the pair but willing to pay even higher if required. A request letter has been sent to the college last week,” added Patra. Talks under the animal exchange programme are also on with Patna Zoo for rhino in the lieu of bison or beer. Efforts are being taken to bring a pair of infant giraffe from Mysore.
“The Mysore Zoo is ready for adult giraffe but it is not possible to translocate the animal for distance so long. We are looking for the infant which is unavailable right now. The Zoo Authority is given sufficient emphasis to bring new animals as it provides fillip and renewed face to the favourite destination of tourists,” said PCCF (wild life) AK Mishra.