STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden in the city is currently in possession of several exotic species of wildlife - including a few which are not indigenous to India - which had been handed over to the zoo for safe-keeping after being seized from smugglers in recent times. However, these wildlife species are being kept in isolation and not being displayed to the public for a couple of reasons.
Talking to The Sentinel, an official of the zoo said that it is mandatory to keep the animals seized from smugglers in quarantine for some time. This period generally involves treatment for injuries or stress. The official informed that during the period of quarantine the rescued animals are kept away from humans as well as beings other animals as zoonotic diseases spread to animals as well as humans. The quarantine period ranges from one to three months.
The official said that at present the zoo does not have too many indigenous and non-indigenous exotic animals for displaying to the public. On the other hand, the zoo is now is possession of several exotic animals which it is not able to display to the public. These include 40 rare and exotic animals, including 19 primates and two baby wallabies, which were seized from two vehicles at Rangia on September 8.
The official said that it would be ideal if the zoo could put these animals on display by the ensuing Durga Puja, when the zoo traditionally witnesses increased footfall and earns enhanced revenue. However, he said, these animals cannot be displayed without authorization from the Central Zoo Authority and that is still awaited. Moreover, litigation is currently going on over the larger issue of whether various State zoos can put rescued exotic animals on display, the official added.
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