Mysore/Mysuru: A two-day training programme on ‘Sensitisation of Zoo Staff on Zoo Management’ organised by Mysuru Zoo, in collaboration with Central Zoo Authority (CZA), New Delhi, began at the Mysuru Zoo premises here this morning.

Virtually addressing the training programme, CZA Deputy Inspector General Dr. Sonali Ghosh said that she is happy to note that Mysuru Zoo, which is hosting the programme, tops the country in overall Zoo maintenance, animal care, animal conservation and the like. 

Calling upon the Mysuru Zoo staff to maintain this tempo in the future too for retaining the top spot, she said that the role of Zoo-keepers and other supporting and supplementary staff is vital for effective functioning of a Zoo.

Lauding the efforts of Karnataka Forest Department officials in the safe capture of tigers and leopards that had strayed into human habitats recently, Dr. Sonali Ghosh said that all the Zoo staff who are attending the workshop should share their knowledge and experience among their counterparts as this will largely help in proper maintenance of  Zoos, which differ in nature and characteristics from one zone to another.

Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) Member-Secretary B.P. Ravi , who spoke after inaugurating the workshop, said that out of the nine Zoos in the State, only three — Mysuru, Bannerghatta and Shivamogga Zoos — had lions and tigers. But of late, the two carnivores can be found at Chitradurga and Hampi Zoos and efforts are being made to shelter them in all other Zoos of the State.

Maintaining that conservation of lions and tigers is vital for overall upkeep of Zoos, Ravi asserted that the tiger, which was on the prowl in North Kodagu and had killed two people in a span of 12 hours, has been captured safely, which is satisfactory to note.

Stating that many workers staying in labour quarters in coffee estates of Kodagu and elsewhere do not have proper identity cards, Ravi said this has proved to be hurdle for the distribution of  compensation to wild animal attack victims.

Stressing on the need for Zoo-keepers and other animal caretakers to have affection and fondness for animals in captivity, he called upon the workshop participants to share their knowledge and expertise with others.

ZAK Chairman L.R. Mahadevaswamy, in his address, said that the revenues of Zoos has nosedived following the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic last year.

Thanking Mysuru District in-Charge Minister S.T. Somashekar for getting Rs. 3.5 crore funds to Mysuru Zoo during the pandemic crisis, Mahadevaswamy said that he has already given representations to the Chief Minister and the Forest Minister on allotting more funds to ZAK in the forthcoming Budget. “I am very much hopeful that CM Yediyurappa will allot adequate funds to ZAK and thus ensure the financial sustenance of all Zoos in the State,” Mahadevaswamy added.

Mysuru Zoo Executive Director Ajit M. Kulkarni, ZAK Members Gokul Govardhan, Jyothi and other officials were present.

A total of 44 personnel, including Veterinarians, Zoo-keepers and other staff, from all the nine Zoos of the State are attending the workshop, which concludes tomorrow.