Latest news with #SunilSHiremath
Hans India
5 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Hyderabad Zoo marks World Snake Day with engaging awareness programme
Hyderabad: The Nehru Zoological Park Hyderabad celebrated World Snake Day on Wednesday with an insightful and interactive awareness programme held at the Reptile House Amphitheatre. The event successfully attracted over 700 students from various schools and 600 general visitors, focusing on the crucial role snakes play in ecosystems and aiming to debunk prevalent myths surrounding these reptiles. A highlight of the programme was a live snake demonstration led by Education Officer M Deepak Tarun. He provided comprehensive explanations on the habitat, behaviour, and identification of diverse snake species, including both venomous and non-venomous varieties. Crucially, the session also covered precautionary measures against snake bites and practical snake identification techniques. The Nehru Zoological Park is home to approximately 20 species of snakes, featuring both venomous and non-venomous types such as the King Cobra, Spectacled Cobra, Bamboo Pit Viper, Russell's Viper, Krait, Indian Rock Python, Rat Snake, and Sand Boa. The park also houses other reptiles like the Green Iguana, Chameleon, Flap Shell Turtle, Star Tortoise, Bengal Monitor Lizard, and Water Monitor Lizard. Dr Sunil S Hiremath, Director Zoo Parks Telangana, proudly stated that the Nehru Zoological Park Hyderabad was the first zoo in the country to introduce a glass barrier enclosure for its reptile house, significantly enhancing the visitor experience. He commended the proactive zoo staff, including the ZEO and PRO, for their consistent efforts in conducting awareness shows on eco-days, acknowledging them as the 'face of the zoo on several occasions.' Visitors and school teachers alike expressed their strong appreciation for the diligent efforts of the Zoo Management, particularly the Director, Curator, PRO, and ZEO, in providing updated information on various aspects of wildlife and conservation to both visitors and students. M Barnoba, Deputy Curator, H M Hanifulla, Public Relations Officer, Ravi Prabakar, Senior Animal Keeper, Chenakeshavulu, Assistant Animal Keeper, and other officers were also in attendance.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Hyderabad zoo welcomes 2 exotic Serval cats
HYDERABAD: The Nehru Zoological Park , Hyderabad, has expanded its collection of exotic animals with the release of a pair of Serval cats into the enclosure for public display on Sunday. This new exotic species, both two years old, is endemic to the African continent and can live up to 16 years in captivity. The zoo now has 195 species in its collection. Apart from this, principal chief conservator of forests and head of forest force, C Suvarna and NZP director, Sunil S Hiremath, launched a plantation programme under Vana Mahotsavam celebrations 2025. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
No more murky water: Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad goes hi-tech to save animals
Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad is revamping its animal enclosures by replacing water moats with dry moats and glass panels to combat health issues caused by polluted water from Mir Alam tank By: HYDERABAD: In a major revamp aimed at safeguarding animal health, Nehru Zoological Park (NZP) will replace its traditional water moats with mud-filled dry moats and glass viewing panels. The revamp will begin with the tiger enclosure in the next couple of months. The reason? To eliminate the long-standing threat posed by polluted water from the adjacent Mir Alam tank. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad 'Water from the tank has previously caused health issues for animals and administrative challenges for us. By removing it altogether, we no longer have to worry,' said NZP director Sunil S Hiremath. The contaminated water, which flows through the zoo via underground channels, has been linked to several animal deaths. Between 2018 and 2019, 58 animals reportedly died due to liver cirrhosis believed tobe caused by polluted water. Another study in 2022 by BITS Pilani (Hyderabad campus) found dissolved oxygen levels in the tank at just 3.4 mg/l — far below the UNEP-recommended 10 mg/l. 'Residential and industrial waste from nearby areas is constantly dumped into the lake. Encroachments are increasing and the lake's area has shrunk from 650 to under 300 acres. Despite big-ticket govt announcements, no real clean-up has happened,' said Ishtiyaq Sharif, co-convener of Save Our Urban Lakes (SOUL). Veterinary officials have warned of long-term damage to animals' kidneys due to exposure to water contaminated with heavy metals and bacteria. 'We are planning to install a sewage treatment plant near the tank soon,' said MA Hakim, deputy director, veterinary wing. Immersive experience The redesign will also help reduce zoo maintenance costs, which currently run over Rs 1 crore per enclosure annually due to high water use. Zoo officials said the new layout will not only be cost-effective but also enhance the visitor experience. 'The dry moats will give animals more space and visitors a closer, immersive view,' said Deepak Tarun, an educator at the zoo. How's zoo dealing with contamination? To tackle water contamination, Nehru Zoo now relies on borewells and regular water testing. Drinking water is supplied by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, while 32 borewells, each 3.5 inches wide, meet trench and enclosure needs. These deep borewells, in use for ?ve years, replaced earlier dependence on tank water. 'We send water samples to Veterinary Biological Research Institute every time and ?ll trenches only after getting clearance,' said zoo director Sunil S Hiremath. Desilting is done monthly, and biannual advisory meetings are held to monitor pollution. 'Despite precautions, seepage or tank over?ow during monsoons can lead to contamination,' said zoo biologist Laxmi Narayana, warning that animal exposure risks persist, especially during rains.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Hyderabad: Nehru Zoological Park (NZP) to launch night safari featuring nocturnal species; increase workforce by at least 30%
By Siddanth Nair HYDERABAD: The Nehru Zoological Park (NZP), which already hosts five animal safaris, is gearing up to launch night safari. This move follows an April 4 directive from the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI), which lifted the earlier ban on night safaris in zoos. "The plan is still in its preliminary stages. Organising a night safari is a big project that will take time and effort," NZP director Sunil S Hiremath told TOI. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The safari, expected to be operational within a year, will feature only nocturnal species such as owls, reptiles, wild cats, canids, civets, bats, and flightless birds, in line with the directive. While NZP already has the infrastructure to support the initiative, manpower remains a concern. "I anticipate we will need to increase our workforce by at least 30%," Hiremath said. The night safari is likely to run between 6pm and 11pm daily, except Mondays. Entry fares will be higher than the standard Rs 100 ticket. However, zoo-goers who visit during the day will have the option of re-entry for the night safari.
Indian Express
18-06-2025
- Indian Express
Ropeway, walk-in aviary, electric toy train among Hyderabad Zoo's major modernisation plans
The iconic Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad, one of the oldest zoos in India, is set to receive a significant facelift. As part of a newly revised master plan, the park will undergo extensive modernisation aimed at enhancing visitor experience and animal welfare, with a strong focus on environmental sensitivity. The ambitious upgradation project incorporates several key attractions and infrastructure improvements. A major highlight will be the introduction of a ropeway, which will offer visitors a unique aerial view of the zoo's popular safari park. Also on the cards is an immersive walk-in aviary that allows visitors to experience diverse bird species up close in a more naturalistic environment. The animal enclosures will also see a significant overhaul, with the construction of modern night houses designed to improve comfort, safety, and care for the zoo's residents. 'Our goal is to make the safari truly immersive. Instead of isolated sightings, visitors will soon witness the dynamic interactions of full lion prides and groups of bears, engaging in natural behaviours like foraging for strategically hidden meat. It's about bringing their world to life for our visitors,' Sunil S Hiremath, Director of Telangana Zoos, told on Wednesday. According to the officials, approval for these projects is expected to be received within the next three months, and the projects will be operationalised by the end of next year. To bolster environmental sensitivity, an electric toy train will be introduced, replacing the existing diesel train. It offers an eco-friendly and enjoyable mode of transport for visitors to navigate the expansive park. Officials stated that the enhancements are part of a comprehensive strategy to modernise the Nehru Zoological Park, so that it continues to be a leading conservation and recreational hub for future generations. The project underscores the park's commitment to animal welfare and to the millions of visitors it attracts each year. 'Since constraints are an issue, we are exploring public-private partnerships for all these projects. The zoo is joining hands with the Musi Riverfront Development project as part of revival of Mir Alam Tank and some of the projects will go in tandem with the Riverfront project,' Hiremath said. He said that enhancing the safari experience by showcasing animals in their natural social structures is the aim. The zoo is also actively pursuing a series of inter-zoo animal exchange programs to strengthen the genetic diversity. 'This initiative aims to diversify the genetic pool of its animal populations, ensuring a more robust and healthier collection across all species,' the director added. The facility is also gearing up to introduce a new attraction by setting up one of the largest aquariums, similar to the renowned aquarium in Singapore. Home to over 2,300 animals representing 194 species, the zoo boasts the largest animal collection in the country and ranks among the biggest in terms of area. Rahul V Pisharody is an Assistant Editor with the Indian Express Online and has been reporting from Telangana on various issues since 2019. Besides a focused approach to big news developments, Rahul has a keen interest in stories about Hyderabad and its inhabitants and looks out for interesting features on the city's heritage, environment, history culture etc. His articles are straightforward and simple reads in sync with the context. Rahul started his career as a journalist in 2011 with The New Indian Express and worked in different roles at the Hyderabad bureau for over 8 years. As Deputy Metro Editor, he was in charge of the Hyderabad bureau of the newspaper and coordinated with the team of district correspondents, centres and internet desk for over three years. A native of Palakkad in Kerala, Rahul has a Master's degree in Communication (Print and New Media) from the University of Hyderabad and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Long motorcycle rides and travel photography are among his other interests. ... Read More
