PONDA: The only zoo in State, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, has lost its charms for the past few years with the enclosures for tiger and hippopotamus wearing deserted look after the death of these animals.
Children visiting the Bondla Zoo, longing to see the wild animals, miss the presence of tiger and hippo in their enclosures.
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It has been five years now since the death of the tigers and it is still waiting for the arrival of a new pair.
The officials say efforts are on to bring these species of animals as the visitors get disappointed to see the enclosures lying empty for a long time.
Reportedly, the tiger couple, male Rana died in 2016 at age of 16 years while his mate tigress Sandhya died in June 2017 at age of 14 years. Further, female hippopotamus Sarita died after she was attacked by her male partner Devidas in 2016. Devidas later died in 2019 due to natural cause.
The zoo currently houses wild Bisons, Sambhar Deer, Leopard, Crocodiles, Sloth Bear, various species of snakes and other animals.
The zoo authorities have repaired seven cages, which were in dilapidated condition including the enclosures of tiger and hippopotamus are enhanced and also there are plans to increase the area of hippopotamus habitat.
The zoo officials said, “The State Forest Department in talks with its counterpart in Madhya Pradesh and a deal has been reached to provide tiger in exchange for pair of Gaurs (Bison) from the zoo which they expect to get soon. Further, attempts are underway to obtain a pair of tigers instead of just one to keep up with the Central Zoo Authority rules of housing a mate for each zoo inmates.”
