Why Delhi Zoo Is Losing Its Rare Species

Rising mortality rate of animals, slack security & overall apathy destroying Capital’s wildlife park

- Ram Kinkar and Ajay Kumar in New Delhi

It is still a must-visit spot in the National Capital, especially during winter. In 1982, it was given the status of National Zoological Park – the model zoo of the country. Now, far from being a ‘model’, the ground reality paints a dismal picture of apathy, carelessness and death.

A recent report reveals that the number of endangered species in the zoo is fast declining. The animal mortality rate for 2018-19 is more than double of what it was last year, found a Delhi High Court-appointed committee, which has conducted a census of the zoo. At nearly 20%, it is also four times higher than the globally-accepted mortality rate of 5%. According to the report, 245 of the 1,243 animals died in 201819. In 2017-18, the mortality figure stood at 91 (of 1,202 animals).

Dr DN Singh, former membersecretary of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), said, “The Union Ministry for Environment and Forests is taking only cosmetic action. Now, the situation is getting out of control. This year 245 deaths would not have occurred had the ministry taken action on our 2016 report. It was an alarming report.”

DWINDLING NUMBERS

The High Court report also highlights that 27 animals of different species are kept in solitary confinement, while giraffe and zebra no longer exist.