Chandigarh, February 19:
Carrying forward the policy aimed at proper upkeep of the wildlife in the State with renewed vigour, the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today released two Little tiger cubs from the Intensive Care into the ‘Kraal’ (Semi Open Enclosure) at the Chhatbir Zoo. It is noteworthy that the mating of white tigress Gauri and Yellow tiger Arjun resulted in the birth of Abhay and Aryan at Diwali night 12 PM on October 31st, 2024. These two tiger cubs are healthy and would be released in the enclosure for viewing by common people after one more vaccine dose.
The Minister also inaugurated various projects on the occasion. These comprise the new building of the veterinary hospital after the old one, office of the Senior Veterinary Officer as well as the Veterinary Officer, Room of the veterinary staff, Laboratory – 1 and Laboratory – 2, Dispensary, Research Room, Pantry and two washrooms.
Apart from this, the service circulation path for use by the staff, feed fodder vehicle were also inaugurated. This would lead to the uninterrupted supply of feed as well as the fodder to the enclosures housing animals. Besides, the 800 Metre long and 4 Metre wide visitor path has also been constructed outside the animal enclosures for the facilitation of public. Not only this but two night shelters for the night duty watchmen and a logo of the Punjab Zoos Development Society (PZDS) were also unveiled.
The Minister also inspected the ongoing works pertaining to the parking stand for wildlife safari buses, visitor shelter near lion safari canteen, crocodile enclosure, parking stand for battery operated vehicle and feeding platform for angulets in deer safari.
The Chhatbir Zoo undertakes multitude of activities from time to time which are aimed at ensuring empathy towards the wild animals apart from awareness generation. Such initiatives include blood donation camps, Run for Wild race and Zoo education program. Through these programs, children, youth and other sections of the society are sensitized in the direction of developing an attitude of love and care towards the wild animals.
Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, Field Director of the Chhatbir Zoo Neeraj Kumar and Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Sagar Setia.
