Bengaluru: The horrifying incident in Delhi zoo where a youth was killed by a tiger after he accidentally fell into the tiger's territory, may put on hold the plans of Bannerghatta Zoo to build a new enclosure for tigers. Presently only those who do the safari rounds can catch a glimpse of tigers in Bannerghatta Zoo.
The park has already started building an enclosure for the tigers in the zoo area and this has been designed and approved by the Zoo Authority of India (ZAK). However the recent accident in New Delhi zoo where a youth was mauled and killed by a white tiger after he accidentally fell inside the tiger area, could delay the Bannerghatta zoo's plans for the new tiger enclosure.
“The new tiger enclosure is being built by the Infosys Foundation. The design is such that the tiger area will be separated from the visitors by a deep trench. There will also be a barricade to prevent visitors from falling inside the trench.
“Of course, a deliberate or accidental fall would severely reduce chances of survival. In fact, I personally feel that the boy in Delhi could have been saved because at least 5 minutes elapsed before the tiger charged him," said Mr Rangegowda, Director of Bannerghatta Biological Park.
Two years ago, the park officials had some tense moments when a leopard managed to scale its enclosure and sat on top of it. However the animal was 'darted' and sent back to its cage.
A decade ago, the Bannerghatta zoo saw its first human tragedy when a lion snatched a baby from one of the safari vans, after which all the zoo vehicles were fitted with mesh protection.
Dr Arun Shah from the Wildlife SOS organization, an expert in rescuing leopards and sloth bears, said that the distance between the visitors and animal enclosure must be maintained and park officials must ensure that the visitors are not trying to lean over or go too close to the animals. Mr Range Gowda added that the level of education among most of the visitors in Bannerghatta zoo is way too poor. “Despite the ban on plastic and littering, we have employed 35 workers only to clear the garbage from the zoo. Time and again, people feed the birds and monkeys, though it is against the law.
