Chizokho Vero
August 28
KOHIMA (MExN): The thirty-three years old Kohima Zoological Park is reportedly facing acute shortage of cages following the increase in number of animal species in recent years. Due to shortage of cages, the concerned department faces problem to accommodate the new arrival in the zoo, sources said.
Several rare species like, Tragopan, Eagle, Deer and Slow Loris have been secured this year from the different villages and individuals in and around Kohima. With this, the number of the species has gone up to 40. Monkey constituted the highest species with eleven including one Hoolock Gibbon.
The number of Tragopan has increased to eight. Other species presently housed in the zoo are, slow loris- 4, Himalayan Black Bear- 5, Mithun- 1, Deer- 2, India Pied Hornbill- 2, Owl- 2, and one each of eagle, Leopard cat, clouded leopard and peacock.
Established on October 1, 1972, Kohima Zoological Park was apparently being neglected. Little has been done to improve feeding facilities and provide resources for repair work, thereby giving little space for improvement and effective function.
Saying that Nagaland is blessed with abundant animals and birds, a layperson observed that Kohima Zoo could earn itself a distinction in the country provided the government extends and provides the necessary attention and resources for procuring the required facilities. The man strongly felt that the government should come forward and rescue this zoo from the verge of extinction.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the number of visitors to the Kohima Zoo is negligible. With no attraction, tourists also rarely visit the zoo. Entry tickets are made available to the visitors’ up to 3:00 PM daily, except on Mondays.
It is pertinent to mention that the government has already decided to shift this zoo to Dimapur at Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary, with a view to introduce other species of animals and birds found in warmer regions.
The present Zoological Park shall however be converted into a captive breeding centre for Tragopan, source said.
The Kohima Zoo found itself placed in the ‘Worst Zoo’ list category in India three years ago.
