National Zoological Park director Sanjeet Kumar speaks to Priyangi Agarwal about the challenges in managing a modern zoo, how it is now much more than just a collection and display of animals, and his plans for turning things around
National Zoological Park boasts 96 species. Which are the significant missing ones? Are there any plans to introduce new species in near future?
■ Our approved master plan lists 257 species, but we have only 96.
We need to include a variety of fish and insects along with mammals and birds. In the first stage, we are focusing on pairing 23 single-sex animals, including seven of exotic origin. We are also focusing on acquiring many native species that are relatively easily available in other Indian zoos. We are aggressively pursuing partnerships with different international zoos and other Indian zoos to bring back exotic species like zebras, giraffes, and chimpanzees. We have recently created a zebra enclosure. A detailed project report has been prepared for transforming the existing aviary into a modern one. We are now waiting for approval. We will not repair the old aviary as we plan to demolish it in six months. Some bird species are in an advanced stage of acquisition, but due to space constraints, we are currently not bringing them in. We will repair another aviary temporarily to house the birds while constructing the new and modern aviary. Birds are easy to procure and they have educational as well as recreational value.
■ Do you have a favourite among the animals in the zoo?
All animals are favourites for a zoo director. I am focusing on animals which are unable to breed. Hyenas, wolves, wild dogs, long-tailed macaques and baboons. I am concerned about animals which have not bred or stopped breeding because breeding is the ultimate indicator of overall health as well as management. If animals are able to breed, they are healthy and happy.
■ Why have some animals stopped breeding? Is it because they are single or of old age?
Every species has different reasons. A few species like wild dogs live in packs. Though there is one alpha male who always dominates and mates, they still require some group for normal behavior. Lions also live in groups. They are territorial animals. If we are procuring animals from different origins, they will not tolerate others. However, if we are procuring them from the same source, their chances of breeding are higher. I’m from a veterinary background and am an animal breeder.
■ The concept of a modern zoo has transformed from being just a grand assortment of animal species and live display to a critical institution for wildlife conservation, education and community engagement. How has National Zoological Park changed in the past 20 years?
Earlier, zoos were based on four pillars—conservation, education, research and recreation. Central Zoo Authority has recently introduced 10 pillars of zoos (anchored across goals of conservation, breeding, animal welfare, scientific research, visitor experience and education). Delhi Zoo is one of the pioneer zoos with good enclosures and a modern system. Our display area is one of the biggest in the country. However, enrichment is lacking. Our back area, meaning the feeding cubicles, is still small. Some animals cannot properly stand and do not feel comfortable. We are now reconstructing the cubicles and merging three into one to make space for animals, especially the large one like tigers and lions because they spend one-half to two-thirds of their time there, other than in the display area. We are also adding kraals. We don’t have a kraal for leopards and the animals have to go to either their feeding cubicle or display area. The design should be animal-centric and not visitor-centric. That’s why a lion’s enclosure has a cave or some stones. When a lion sits on the stones, he will feel that he is king. Even visitors will love to enjoy seeing a lion as a king rather than as a cat. We are also working on the background for aesthetics. Our signages should be attractive and smart so that people are able to learn. Our current signages require some transformation. I am in touch with some vendors and am exploring audio-video tools too so that visitor experience will be more attractive, educative and interactive.
■ Do you think animals are happy in a zoo? Have you come across any instance of animals trying to escape?
No one has attempted to escape from here. If I compare with Nandankanan Zoological Park, where I was posted earlier, animals here are very docile. On the aspect of feeding, this is one zoo that’s giving more than what they require. Though we keep our enclosures and other things very strong, I think that if we give them a chance to escape, they will not go out due to their docile nature and assurance of being fed.
■ Is your zoo adequately staffed and is the staff trained to take care of animals?
The newly-recruited staff has to develop an interest and also requires good training. Unfortunately, there is no course for animal handling like the ones we have for forest and nursery management. Some zoos or universities should start a three-to-six-month course. Apart from new recruits, old staff need exposure visits. That’s true for even workshop staff, sanitation staff or those who drag the door to bring the animals to the visitor area or display area. Veterinarians told me that in some cases, animals get injured when the tail or some other part gets stuck in the door. We are now replacing heavy iron doors with stainless steel ones. We are amending the recruitment rules to fill the vacancies for posts like zoo ranger which have been lying vacant for years. The post of zoo ranger is vacant because of pay parity and it’s a policy-level decision. We will first draft the rules and then convince our seniors and policymakers to change certain rules which impede recruitment.
■ Delhi Zoo was closed during the pandemic and reopened in phases with a cap on the number of visitors. What’s the situation now?
On an average, around 6,000-7,000 people visit on weekdays. However, the number of visitors is almost double on weekends — 12,000 to 14,000. About 19.8 lakh people visited the zoo in 2023. Around 25,000 persons can be easily accommodated at a time without any extra strategy and management while 5,000 more can be included with a little strategy.
■ This zoo has always been in the news for a low mortality rate. What was the mortality rate last year? What steps are being taken to lower this rate and improve animal well-being?
The mortality rate in 2023-24 was 11%. We currently have 96 species and 1,238 animals. To prevent deaths, we have made a few interventions like implementing a season-specific management plan. We are also doing random sampling to assess health. A few animals live in overcrowded enclosures. We will send a proposal to CZA to release animals like barking deer and blackbucks in nearby areas in the wild or to send them to other zoos. Due to surplus population, males will fight with each other. We are culling animals to control adult mortality. (Culling refers to scientific disposal of animals like translocation to wild, neutering males, separation of male and female etc — to manage population.) We are upgrading the veterinary facility.
We are in the process of signing an MoU with Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar so that we can send samples and their doctors can visit the zoo. We have added local native nuts and other items for feeding enrichment and to boost immunity. Besides, once we get the budget, we will install thermometers and other equipment in enclosures to monitor the ambient temperature and humidity. We are also focusing on cleanliness.
■ The animal adoption programme launched in October 2022 has been a welcome addition. Can you tell us about the response so far?
Animal adoption has not shown very encouraging results. The first reason is that the scheme is currently for one year and I am proposing it for a shorter duration of one month to one year so that the middle class can adopt animals. The second thing is that our zoo is currently not registered under any society. The revenue from adoption is going to the govt. We are getting money from the govt, but it is an indirect mode and, hence, we are not able to generate the certificate of adoption which they can claim for income tax rebate. On the lines of other zoos, we are trying to get the zoo registered as a society. With duration of adoption reduced, an aggressive outreach and society registration, adoption will get a boost. Besides, many corporates are coming for the programme.
■ You had prepared a comprehensive action plan for elephant management during your previous stints. At Delhi Zoo, Shankar, who is the lone African elephant, has been battling loneliness for a long time. How is Shankar’s health now?
We are now preparing our own musth management as well as captive male management so that animals are not in chains. Shankar is still in musth but his aggression has reduced. We have removed his chain and put a sling. We are strengthening his enclosure so that he does not damage it. We are also improving the paddock area. The staff used to give water but I told them to give dust first. Elephants first play with dust and then enter water.
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