Zoo visitors must remember rules are in their interest

Byculla zoo

It is open season for the well-patronised Veermata Jijabai Garden and zoo, popularly known as Byculla zoo or Rani Bagh, which will be thrown open to visitors on Monday, almost a year after it was shut due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal gave his nod, but there are a few caveats to the much-awaited opening, given how popular the zoo is.

The corporation has appealed that pregnant women, senior citizens and children under five years, not visit the zoo amidst the pandemic. There are certain rules to be followed like the mandatory wearing of masks, entry into the zoo only after vehicles' tyres are disinfected.

People have been asked not to crowd at the entrance or near the animal enclosures. The civic body has asked people not to touch barricades or glass facades.

We want all rules adhered to so that the zoo opening is a success. Visitors must realise that this is in their interest to follow protocol. It is imperative that we inspire confidence in the authorities.

Today, schoolchildren are studying at home and parents have been speaking about the lack of outdoor learning opportunities.

A zoo visit should surely fill in that gap for children aged above five years. A visit to our zoo will not just be about the animals but also about learning from the green and stunning trees over there.

It would be selfish if some undisciplined people, deliberately flouting rules and arguing with personnel, spoil the experience for others and actually cause the zoo to shut down once more. On the zoo's side, there must be stress on clarity of instructions and the staff must be spot-on with the new rules. Let us justify the faith of the city's denizens in us, the people.