Bhubaneswar: Several wild animals confined in cages in an illegal zoo set up in Odisha’s Angul district were rescued by Forest department officials following a complaint by a wildlife expert.
Wildlife expert Subhendu Mallilk of Snake Helpline, who is also a former honorary wildlife warden of Khurda district, said that the action was taken after he wrote to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF-Wild Life) & Chief Wild Life Warden.
In his letter to the PCCF (Wildlife), Subhendu said that a park maintained by the Maa Bayani Temple authorities at Patrapada in Chendipada area of Angul district has kept four Indian Peafowls (Pavo cristatus) and a Chausingar (four-horned antelope) under confinement for display purposes to the visitors.
Since both the animals are listed under Schedule – I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, they cannot be kept confined. Therefore, there is a gross violation of two crucial sections – Sections 9 and 38H – of the WLPA, he said.
As per the Section – 38H, no zoo can be operated without being recognised by the Central Zoo Authority. The Schedule – 1 species are kept under unscientific housing.
Noting that both animals were kept together in one enclosure, he said the wellbeing of the wild life was compromised.
Subhendu requested the officials to immediately rescue the animals from captivity and rehabilitate them properly and take strict legal action against those involved.
