PANAJI
The forest department is likely to approach the government next week for the reopening of the Bondla Zoo, which has been shut since April 1, following the death of five animals.
The department is awaiting a final “negative” confirmation test report from the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal before reopening the zoo to the public.
“We have already received one negative report and another is expected anytime. We need negative reports to reopen the zoo for visitors,” a forest official confirmed.
The official said that the department will approach the government to decide on the reopening of the zoo. “The zoo was closed following directions from the Government of India. After following all the standard procedures, we will now approach the State government for directions to open the zoo,” the official said.
The zoo has been closed to the public since April 1 following the death of five animals”three civet cats and two jungle cats. Since then, the other animals have been placed under quarantine for 15 days.
As reported last month, H5N1 in two jungle cats was confirmed by the Goa Forest Department; however, the reason for the deaths of the three civet cats was not known.
Sources said that the department is following the standard operating procedure laid down by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying with regard to the H5N1 outbreak.
Meanwhile, the closure of the zoo has led to major revenue loss for the Forest Department as the summer vacation was the targeted period for high zoo footfall. Sources said that the zoo lost over Rs 1 lakh in April and a similar loss is expected in May as well.
