Sterilised meat, RT-PCR tests: Extra measures at Sanjay Gandhi National Park for captive animals

The SGNP closed for tourists and morning walkers on March 31 after a resurgence in Covid-19 cases. File pic

Following the case where eight Asiatic lions tested positive for Covid-19 in a Hyderabad zoo recently, Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), which has captive tigers, lions and leopards, is taking strict measures to safeguard its animals. Only two to three animal keepers who are completely fit are allowed to go near the cages. In addition, the meat given to the animals is being sterilised in warm water and diluted potassium permanganate.

Guidelines by the Central Zoo Authority have suggested spraying enclosures with anti-virals and then hosing them with water. File pics

Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) and Director of SGNP, G Mallikarjun, said, "Since the start of the pandemic, we have set certain rules and all our officials, animal keepers and veterinary officers who come in contact with wild animals in captivity are strictly following them."

Assistant Commissioner (Wildlife) Shailesh Pethe set that more measures have been added to the ones that were being taken for the past year.

A higher degree of use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been adopted by animal keepers at SGNP.

"The staff working in close proximity to the animals, in animal enclosures or in food preparation areas are tested by the RT-PCR method. Everyone has been appropriately trained in the safe handling and wearing of protective gears such as masks and gloves," said Dr Pethe.

A two-metre social distancing rule is also being followed by all staff and close contact is being avoided.

"The meat supplied to animals is being cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. It is sterilised by being soaked in hot water (above 65°C) for 10 minutes," added Dr Pethe.

In case of unusual symptoms or behaviour by animals, staff have been instructed to inform supervisors immediately.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 3,000-4,000 tourists used to visit SGNP daily. During the weekend, the numbers used to go up further. Around 600 morning walkers also visited the park daily. The park was shut and entry to morning walkers was restricted on March 31.

According to Forest Department officials, the park is losing '2 lakh to '3 lakh un revenues daily due to the closure.

Central authority's rules

On April 30, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) wrote to all zoos and forest departments keeping captive wild animals regarding precautions to be undertaken amid increasing Covid-19 cases.

The CZA has stated that access to felids, mustelid, primate and viverrid enclosures and holding areas must be limited to essential staff only. The area must be cordoned off and visitor movement in these areas must be stopped.

CZA has also said that animals' enclosures must be sprayed with anti-virals, especially those found to be effective against Covid-19, and hosed down with a weak stream of water after 10 minutes.