The Gujarat Assembly was recently informed about the deaths of exotic birds and animals at the Sardar Patel Zoological Park, commonly known as Jungle Safari, located in the Statue of Unity complex. The deaths occurred within the span of the last two years, drawing attention to the management and care of these animals.
Statistics of Exotic Animal Deaths:
According to the state government’s response to a query raised by Congress MLA Gulabsinh Chauhan, out of 295 animals and birds brought from other states and abroad, 38 have died as of December 31, 2023. This indicates a concerning trend in the mortality rate of exotic species within the zoo.
Financial Expenditure:
The government disclosed that over Rs 4 lakh has been expended on these exotic birds and animals over the same two-year period, emphasizing the investment made in acquiring and maintaining these animals.
Details of Exotic Animal Deaths:
Among the casualties, three out of five alpacas and one out of four wallabies succumbed to various reasons. Additionally, fatalities included four sun conures, three green-cheeked conures, seven blue pheasants, three silver pheasants, three red-billed toucans, three thiamin deer, three squirrel monkeys, and one marsh crocodile.
Previous Disclosure and Reasons for Deaths:
In March 2023, the government had reported 12 exotic animal deaths between February 1, 2021, and January 31, 2023. The primary reasons cited for these deaths were respiratory arrest and cardio-pulmonary arrest, underscoring potential health issues within the zoo environment.
Background and Criticism:
The Sardar Patel Zoological Park and the Geodesic Aviary Dome were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 30, 2020. Prior to its inauguration, the zoo faced criticism regarding the alleged neglect in the translocation process of exotic animals, which might have contributed to their subsequent deaths.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- How many exotic animals and birds have died in the last two years at the Sardar Patel Zoological Park?
A) 20
B) 30
C) 38
D) 45
Answer: C) 38 - What was the primary reason cited for the deaths of exotic animals in March 2023?
A) Old age
B) Respiratory arrest
C) Heart attack
D) Malnutrition
Answer: B) Respiratory arrest - Which animal had the highest mortality rate among those mentioned in the disclosure?
A) Wallaby
B) Sun conure
C) Alpaca
D) Squirrel monkey
Answer: C) Alpaca