Mysore/Mysuru: At a time when caring for one’s self and maintaining social distance, not stepping out of the house have become the needs of the hour, here is a true example of the human species going beyond the call of duty to care and tend for the animals and birds at Mysuru Zoo, feeding them every day without fail.

Although the Zoo is closed for public, the creatures inside still need to be fed and taken care of. And this is being done by around 200 employees, with masks on, who every day, reach the Zoo at 8.30 am, clean their shoes on the chemically treated mats, then sanitise their hands thoroughly and only then enter the premises. Even the wheels of the trucks carrying vegetables, fruits and meat for the Zoo animals, are treated with chemical disinfectants before letting them inside.

The Zookeepers are strictly adhering to the safety protocols and maintain social distance even when on their coffee breaks or during lunch, it is learnt.

Although many of the Zoo employees are on forced leave due to the lockdown, that is not the case for these Zookeepers, whose everyday duty is to feed the animals, clean the cages, provide drinking water and most importantly, spend time with these animals, which are so used to seeing their caregivers every day. 

If you have ever visited the Zoo, you would have noticed how the animals react on seeing their caregivers, especially with food in hand. The animal world too feels all kinds of emotions, just like us, humans.

Zoo Executive Director Ajit M. Kulkarni, speaking to Star of Mysore, said, “It is a testing time for everyone amidst the Corona outbreak and it is our duty to care for these animals at the Zoo. All the employees compulsorily wear masks and use hand sanitisers upon entry into the Zoo. We are ensuring hygiene and safety of both the employees and the animals. Except of security personnel and Zookeepers, all other office work have been completely shut for now. The Zoo will remain closed till Apr. 14 as of now as per the orders of the Government.”