Kolkata: Central Zoo Authority (CZA) officials probed ‘missing' animal records at Alipore zoo for the second day in a row. Meanwhile, mismatch in animal inventory, though not in the scale of Alipore zoo, has also been found at Harinalaya Eco Park zoo in New Town and Bardhaman zoo in 2023-24 and 2022-23.
Four birds were ‘missing' from opening stock on April 1, 2024 from the inventory of Harinalaya at Eco Park, compared to closing stock on March 31, 2024. According to the annual inventory of zoo, on March 31, 2024, the closing stock showed presence of 235 birds and animals, including 151 birds. But, a day later, on April 1, the opening stock showed presence of 231 animals, including 147 birds. Stats revealed that barnacle goose, three of which were at the zoo on March 31, had no mention in the inventory a day later.
"Is a small zoo like Harinalaya suited to house large animals like giraffes, zebras and hippos ? What were the circumstances under which non-native exotic animals seized/intercepted were delivered to Alipore, Garchumuk and Harinalaya zoos? Are zoos in Bengal or the forest dept thinking of repatriation of seized exotic animals to their countries of origin?" said Shubhobroto Ghosh of World Animal Protection in India.
Asked if these are data-entry errors, chief wildlife warden Sandip Sundriyal said: "Apart from CZA probe, a team has been formed by forest dept with a senior official at the helm to probe alleged irregularities. We will take action once we get the report.
" Bardhaman zoo that had 185 animals and birds, including 140 mammals, as per closing inventory on March 31, 2023, had 183 animals and birds in the opening stock on April 1, including 138 mammals. CZA officials reached Alipore zoo as early as 7.30 am on Friday to check inventory records.