Editor,
I wish to draw the immediate attention of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the zoo authorities to the deteriorating condition of our state’s lone zoo, the Itanagar Biological Park.
Over the past 20 years, I have visited the zoo more than a dozen times. Tragically, with every passing visit, I have observed a disturbing trend: while the footfall of visitors continues to increase, the number of animals and the quality of their living conditions are in sharp decline. During my most recent visit, I noticed several glaring issues that require urgent intervention for the welfare of both the captive animals and the visiting public.
I earnestly request the authorities concerned to implement the following measures to save and upgrade the zoo:
- Fortify perimeter security: The boundary walls of the zoo must be rebuilt to be taller and stronger, topped with heavily barbed wire. This is a critical necessity to ensure that animals cannot escape, while completely preventing encroachers, trespassers, or poachers from accessing the premises.
- Modernise animal enclosures: The existing cages and compounds are vastly outdated. They must be upgraded to simulate the animals’ natural habitats. Modern, naturalistic enclosures will significantly improve the mental and physical wellbeing of the animals while providing better, unobstructed viewing experiences for the visitors.
- Regulate entry and upgrade amenities: The entry of unchecked private vehicles and outside food or beverages should be strictly prohibited. Currently, this poses a severe security and health risk, as miscreants could easily smuggle in weapons to harm the animals or toxic items to poison them. Instead, the zoo should introduce chargeable, eco-friendly zoo vehicles to transport visitors. Furthermore, establishing a hygienic, zoo-operated cafeteria and clean restroom facilities will ensure a safe environment while generating much-needed revenue.
- Introduce regulated animal feeding programmes: It is heartbreaking to see the animals often looking weak and hungry, and in all my visits, I have rarely seen them being fed. While unregulated public feeding is dangerous, the zoo authorities could introduce a supervised feeding programme. The zoo administration itself could set up kiosks/shops near specific enclosures (such as those of the hoolock gibbon or monkeys) to sell certified, species-appropriate food like bananas and other fruits. Visitors could purchase this food and feed the animals under supervision. This would ensure that the animals receive supplemental nutrition, visitors get an interactive experience, and the zoo earns additional revenue.
The Itanagar Biological Park is a vital asset for wildlife conservation and public education in our state. It is high time we treated it with the care and funding it deserves before we lose this precious institution entirely.
Gedak Taipodia