Training camp for zoo keepers

Bahadurpura: As per the guidelines stipulated by the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi, a five-day workshop on 'Specialised Theme Based Training Programme for Zoo Keepers' on a regional basis began at the Nehru Zoological Park in Bahadurpura on Monday.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife and Admin) TS, Munindra inaugurated the workshop by lighting the lamp at the bioscope hall in zoo, in the presence of Director Zoo Park, Dr Sidhanand Kukretty, Curator N Kshitija, and Assistant Conservator of Forests Syed Maqsood Mohiuddin.

On the first day, 19 zoo keepers from five different states of southern region (Telangana State, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala) took part in the workshop.

Speaking on the occasion, Munindra said that the role played by the animal keeper was very vital and essential as the animals caged in the zoo develop a close bond with them.

The topics which will be covered in the workshop are upkeep of captive animals during breeding season and post-natal care, feeding of animals in captivity, stress management, nutrition and feed, enclosure and sanitation and health care of captive animals. Later, B Laxmi Narayana, a biologist, gave a power-point presentation on the management of the Avian species in captivity.

Later, in the afternoon session, Assistant Conservator of Forests, (Retd) K Shekhar Reddy addressed the keepers and briefed them about the role of keepers in zoo management.

The animal keepers were taken round the zoo, especially at the bird's enclosure and briefed about their hygiene, food habits, habitats, etc.

Deputy Director (Vet), Dr MA Hakeem, Assistant Director (Vet), Dr Shambu Lingam, Assistant Curator-II, M Bhavani Shankar other officers and staff were present on the occasion.