After 3 mths, Bondla zoo reopens to public
Panaji:
After nearly three months, Goa's only zoo, located at the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, reopened its gates to the public on Wednesday. Forest minister Vishwajit Rane took to social media to welcome visitors back to the zoo, calling it 'a vibrant habitat and an important centre for conservation and awareness in Goa'.
The reopening follows confirmation from the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, that samples tested negative for avian influenza (H5N1). NIHSAD, the designated nodal agency for avian flu confirmation in India, has been conducting tests on the samples sent from Bondla since the outbreak.
Deputy conservator of forests, Jiss K Varkey, issued an official order on Wednesday stating, 'Consequent upon receipt of two consecutive negative test results for avian influenza from ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, and in accordance with the guidelines of the central zoo authority, it is hereby ordered that the Bondla zoological park will be open for visitors with immediate effect.'
The zoo remained temporarily closed since April 1, following the deaths of five animals — three civet cats and two jungle cats — between March 6 and 9. The jungle cats tested positive for the avian influenza virus H5N1 in April, while the cause of death in the civet cats remains unknown.
Following the reopening of the zoo on Wednesday, Rane lauded the efforts of the forest department in containing the virus to prevent any further casualties.
'The forest department acted promptly and responsibly to ensure the health and safety of both animals and visitors. All necessary biosecurity protocols were followed during this period. I commend the efforts of all officials involved for their swift and transparent action,' he stated.
The zoo receives its highest footfall in the summer, with approximately 6,000 visitors per month during this season. According to data shared by the forest department, footfall unusually spiked in May last year, with 28,449 visitors viewing the wonders of the zoo that month. The zoo lost nearly three months of revenue due to the temporary closure this year as a result. The zoo charges an entry fee of Rs 100 per head. With the green light from govt authorities, the zoo is expected to resume its role as one of the major attractions of Goa.
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