Delhi zoo draws up plan for improvement of facilities

Delhi zoo authorities have finalised a roadmap to improve various facilities for visitors and also enhance security nearly a month after a youth was mauled to death by a white tiger.
Officials at the zoo said that the fencing around the white tiger enclosure may be raised to 6-feet from 4-feet and additional security guards would be deployed around it to ensure better security for the visitors.
The spine-chilling incident had brought to the fore gaps in the security at the tiger enclosures as well as the absence of a quick response mechanism at the zoo.
Efforts were made time and again to increase the fencing around animal enclosures, but it could not be implemented due to complaints by the public that it hampered their view of the animals.

The other measures planned at the zoo include installation of artificial nests for birds, food baskets for deer and better facilities at some other animal enclosures.
"Food baskets have already been installed in several deer enclosures. We have also moved logs of wood into the bear and elephant enclosures for the recreation of the animals. Swings made of ropes are being made for chimpanzees and gibbons," said zoo curator Riyaz Khan.

There are plans to install around 200 artificial nests for visiting birds such as house sparrows, owls, parakeets, bulbul, kingfisher and hornbills.
Officials said the latest addition on the premises is a bird house, which has been thrown open to the public. The 500 square-feet enclosure houses spotted munia, black-headed munia, love birds, among others.

Made of glass and wire, the "bird haven" provides ample sunlight and space for birds residing on the zoo premises.
Officials said that the 69th WAZA Annual Conference and Technical Congress, being hosted by the Central Zoo Authority this year, will be held in the national capital from November 2 to November 6 and Delhi zoo authorities are also making preparations for the event.
The WAZA conference is the largest conservation organisation globally for the zoo and aquarium community.
With the theme of the conference being 'Biodiversity Is Us', the delegates will also visit Delhi zoo on one of the days.

Spread across 176 acres, Delhi zoo houses 1,351 inmates with 107 different animal and bird species.