At the Bhagwan Birsa Zoological Park also known as Birsa Jaivik Udyan that houses a wide variety of wild animals and birds, a fleet of battery operated buses have been started for the convenience of the visitors from October 20. The buses were flagged off by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sanjay Kumar and PCCF Wildlife PK Verma.
In the zoo located at Ormanjhi, Ranchi seven new golf carts have been added to the already existing four carts which have been operational since 2013. Out of the seven new carts, three are 14- seater while the remaining four are six- seater. The other four vehicles are 10- seater each. The buses have a total capacity of 106 passengers while two e- rickshaws are also available on need basis.
“Keeping the tourist season in mind, the battery operated bus service has been started for visitors who don’t walk for about 5 Kms. Earlier with just four carts operating, there would be a lot of waiting period but now that new vehicles have been added, it is going to be very convenient for the visitors,†said Director of the Park, D. Venkateshwarlu.
The vehicles with a single charge have a capacity of covering a distance of 90 Kms. Apart from the entry fee of Rs 40, visitors can avail the golf carts at an additional cost of Rs 40 per person. Spread over 83 hectares the bus service takes approximately an hour to make a complete round.
With the upcoming winter season, the zoo management has also started making necessary arrangements for its inhabitants. To protect the animals during the severe winter months in the retiring rooms wooden planks and paddy straws are spread on the floor, heaters are installed while jute curtains are put on all windows and ventilators to guard the animals from a cold wave.
“All preparations for the winter season are under way. Apart from giving the animals a warm environment, dietary supplements are also provided. For carnivorous animals multi vitamin supplements of vitamin A, D3 and E are given. In addition to the routine diet, herbivorous animals are given a high carbohydrate diet comprising of gud and mahua,†said Birsa Zoological Park– Veterinary doctor, Dr. Ajay Kumar.
The zoo currently houses 84 different species of animals including birds, mammals and reptiles. At present there are a total of around 1,400 animals and birds- white tiger, Asiatic lion, black leopard, crocodiles, albino (white) black bucks are some of nature’s wonders present here. It is also the only zoo in India where an ostrich breeds successfully.
