In an interesting observation, the inmates of the Kolkata zoo appeared cheerful as there were nobody to disturb the animals.
The authorities of the Alipur Zoological Garden had barred entry of visitors on March 17 to avoid large gatherings.
As per the records, over 6,000 people had visited the zoo on the last Sunday, March 15, before its closure.
“With the number of visitors coming to zero, the animals – especially tigers, chimpanzees and zebras – are not facing the usual crowding before their enclosures. They seem to be happy as they are not disturbed,” said a senior Zoo official.
A section of visitors to the zoos in the country are insensitive to animals. They indulge in forbidden activities like teasing and feeding animals.
Food procurement not a problem during COVID-19
The lockdown over coronavirus outbreak did not pose any problem for procuring food for zoo animals.
“We made arrangements so that food supply for carnivores, herbivores, birds and reptiles are not affected even during the lockdown period,” the official said.
The employees are now feeding the animals while wearing masks and gloves.
