Tiger twins make debut at Chhatbir Zoo
Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today released two tiger cubs from the Intensive Care into the ‘Kraal’ (semi-open enclosure) at Chhatbir Zoo. These cubs, named Abhay and Aryan, were born last Diwali from the mating of white tigress Gauri and yellow tiger Arjun. Both cubs are healthy and will be released into the enclosure for public viewing after receiving one more vaccine dose.
The minister also inaugurated a new veterinary hospital building, replacing the old facility. The new structure includes the office of the Senior Veterinary Officer, the Veterinary Officer’s room, two laboratories, a dispensary, a research room, a pantry and two washrooms. Additionally, a service circulation path for staff and feed vehicles was opened, ensuring a steady supply of food and fodder to the animal enclosures. An 800-metre-long, 4-metre-wide visitor path has also been constructed outside the enclosures to improve public access.
The minister inaugurated two night shelters for watchmen on duty and unveiled the logo of the Punjab Zoos Development Society (PZDS).
He also inspected ongoing projects, such as a parking area for wildlife safari buses, a visitor shelter near the lion safari canteen, a crocodile enclosure, a parking stand for battery-operated vehicles and a feeding platform for angulets in the deer safari.
Chhatbir Zoo undertakes multitude of activities from time to time aimed at ensuring empathy towards the wild animals apart from awareness generation. These initiatives include blood donation camps, the Run for Wild race and the Zoo education programme, all aimed at promoting a caring attitude towards wild animals among people, especially children.
Among those present were Dharminder Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force); Neeraj Kumar, Field Director of Chhatbir Zoo; and Sagar Setia, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife).
