By Pranjal Kaushik, MAMC Symbiosis, Pune
Not every place on Earth is blessed with exotic species of animals and birds; hence we have zoos which cater to our desires to have an enriching experience. We in Udaipur have a Bio-Diversity park, which houses or cages a Bengal White Tiger, Leopard, Black Bear, African Lions and Tigers to mention few.
The Famous Ustaad
The famous Ustaad was a tiger that resided in a cage and was refrained from being displayed by state orders. The West zone experiences acute temperatures in the summers, making living conditions unbearable for some of these animals. We all are taught basic living conditions for these animals, and accordingly, we find them on the map.
Bringing Animals to Zoos
These animals are then brought to different zoos around the world because not everyone can buy tickets to Kenya to see a giraffe. So, a giraffe comes to New Delhi Zoo, which is convenient for visitors. But then, doesn’t it become our responsibility to make them feel at home?
The Cage as a Punishment
A cage is a punishment for both humans and animals. We send criminals to prison, but what crime did these creatures commit? We all love our own homes, and I’m sure they do too. In some ways, we are selfish, forcing them into a new environment.
Visiting the Sajjangarh Bio-Diversity Park
On a visit to the Sajjangarh Bio-Diversity Park, I observed things that made me think more and enjoy less. As spectators and first-time guests, we maneuvered through the crowd and managed a golf cart ride. Accompanied by other people, we started with the little safari, starting with birds like emus and ostriches. We then proceeded towards the deer and other wild cats.
Guests’ Disrespectful Behavior
As soon as we reached the area holding the lion, people started hooting and whistling to wake up the animal in hopes of capturing a fierce action shot. Guests began shouting and making noise. While I and my mother looked at the golf cart driver to see his reaction, he laughed and encouraged the people to pester the animal from the other sides and keep their cameras ready.
Disturbances and Lack of Decorum
Disappointed, we continued the ride while the guests behind us were shouting and laughing loudly. Decorum demands silence and undisturbed observation. When we reached the cage holding the leopard, people started banging the cage walls. The poor animal seemed restless and kept moving in circles, showing signs of rage and helplessness.
Inconsiderate Actions by Staff
The drivers left their vehicles to smoke a bidi on the dead brown grass right next to the cage. This infuriated me and made me feel sad for the animals that couldn’t use their teeth and paws to end the trauma they’ve endured for so long.
The Impact of Stress on Animals
Smoke, noise, and constant disturbances lead to stress for these animals. Don’t we shut down neighbors’ loud parties after midnight and keep smokers away from our children?
Government Hypocrisy and Negligence
While the government banned the use of lanterns to prevent wildfires in Shilpgram’s dry forest area, there was a display of hypocrisy and ignorance before us. We wanted to avoid a potential mishap due to a cigarette. We tried to stop the staff, but were told not to worry.
The Ride Ends with Mixed Emotions
The ride ended with a sigh of relief and worry. Relief because the noisy people weren’t around the animals anymore, and worry because there are more people like them, and possibly even worse.
Can We Save the Animals?
Can I do something to save the animals? No. But, can we? Yes.
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