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27 big cats being shifted to AP from Nandankanan

Bibhuti Mishra in Bhubaneshwar

No fewer than 27 big cats are being shifted from the Nandankanan Zoo that had been hitting the headlines because of all the wrong reasons recently.

Giving in to tremendous pressure following the tiger tragedy in July when 13 tigers, eight of then rare white tigers, died in the zoo, authorities have finally decided to shift 12 tigers and 15 lions to various zoos across the country.

The first phase of shifting, involving 12 large cats, would be complete within a couple of days, according to sources. They will be shifted to zoos in Tirupati and Vizag in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

There had been wide-ranging protests in the past against the shifting plan as it was felt that Orissa would be losing the rare felines and the animals would be unnecessarily subjected to a lot of stress.

In fact, besides going through the rigours of health and hygiene check-ups, the shifted animals would have to be quarantined for close to three weeks before they settle in their new habitat.

Says Bishwanath Pati, a young wildlife expert, "It only reflects the zoo authorities' lackadaisical attitude. They have failed to take care of the large cats."

Sources said that the zoo authorities were unwilling to take any more risk following the tragedy on July 5 when 13 tigers fell prey to a disease called Trypanosomasis within the space of 36 hours.

The Centre had deputed a team to probe the matter and sources revealed that the Central Zoo Authority, in consultation with the state government, decided to shift some of the animals to reduce congestion.

Earlier, there had been widespread agitations in Orissa over the shifting plan with some legislators threatening to go on fast to thwart the move.

EARLIER REPORTS
Living condition of tigers in zoos distressing: SC
Congress opposes tiger shifting plan
Experts still puzzled about tiger deaths

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