INDIA: HRF Opposes Move To Shift Zoo

Opposing the move to shift Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, the Human Rights Forum has questioned the rationale behind it.

Sanctuary and night safari are proposed to be developed for tourism by shifting the zoo park located in 625 acres.

“Sanctuaries are developed for the safety of animals and preservation of environment and not for tourism,” HRF district president M. Sarat said in a statement.

Besides, courts have issued judgments restricting or prohibiting movement of humans in sanctuaries. If development of tourism was the intention, the zoo park could be further developed, he said, adding that the Central Zoo Authority had appreciated its maintenance.

Section 3 of the Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972, also prohibited changing the boundaries of zoos without its permission.

Shifting the zoo, apart from the costs and work involved, would cause distress to the animals, Mr. Sarat said.