Authorities order closure of zoos for visitors

ITANAGAR, Jun 9: The authorities in State Forest Department today ordered closure of zoos across the State, including the Biological Park (Zoo), Itanagar, for the visitors in the wake of death of a lioness in Vandalur Zoo, Chennai due to suspected Covid-19 infection.

“As per the news reports, a lioness in Vandalur Zoo, Chennai is suspected to have died due to Covid-19 infection and several other lions of the same zoo have been tested positive for SARS COV-2.” the DCF (WL & BD) stated in his ‘order’ to the in-charges of Namdapha Mini Zoo, Mehao Mini Zoo and WLS, and Biological Park, Itanagar.

He said the latest instance of zoo animals getting infected by Covid-19 once again indicates the high likelihood of disease transmission from affected human beings to captive animals.

“In view of this, it is once again reiterated that for preventing the possible transmission of Covid-19 from human beings to wild tigers and other wildlife, Zoos under Govt of Arunachal Pradesh to be closed for visitors until further orders. Further, all other instructions issued earlier need to be followed in letter and spirit,” the DCF said.

Therefore, the Itanagar Zoo will remain closed for the visitors till further orders, its curator Raya Flago said.