(IN): Zoo animals go hungry

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http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090209/jsp/frontpage/story_10505093.jsp

 

Zoo animals go hungry

- Nandan Kanan suffers as staff go on indefinite strikeOUR CORRESPONDENT

 

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 8: For the poor animals at Nandan Kanan, it was a day to

fast, as their caretakers went on an indefinite strike demanding a better

deal for themselves.

 

As many as 131 ground-level staff went on a strike under the umbrella of

Nandan Kanan Pragatisheel Shramik Sangh demanding permanent jobs, medical

facilities and insurance benefits.

 

The zoo houses 1,200 animals of 128 species of mammals, birds and reptiles,

who are fed twice everyday. Managing the show with 20-odd permanent staff

had become a headache for the authorities, thus to meet the emergency,

authorities roped in volunteers from animal rights bodies, including the

People for Animals and Snake Helpline, thus leading to a controversy. " For

now the volunteers are meeting the temporary needs. We are also asking the

workers to call off their strike, " said Ajit Pattnaik, the zoo director.

 

However, the striking employees are not confident regarding volunteers'

skills. " The idea of using volunteers is sick. They would do it for the

money, while we do it for love. The animals are like our children. We know

their tastes, preferences and feeding time, " Nayak said.

 

The agitating workers comprise caretakers, cleaners, gardeners and security

persons, who are demanding a dispensary to meet emergency medical needs.

" There is at least one accident every day. While some are minor, few are

critical and the victim has to be rushed to the nearest hospital, nearly

20km away. There should be medical facilities on the campus, " said the

sangh's general secretary, Ramakant Nayak. Besides, the Sangh has also been

pressing for medical insurance.

 

" Staff Ananta Nayak was killed by a lion, while another was killed by an

elephant. Similarly, Gundicha Nayak was dragged into the lion's cage by the

animal, but he miraculously escaped. Our lives ought to be insured, " said

Jugal Kishore.

 

" We have been demanding the facilities for years now. This time we will

continue our strike till demands are met, " he added.

 

Meanwhile, volunteers who have been roped in to feed the animals had a tough

time as many refused to eat. " One of the crocodiles reacted violently and

tried to attack us. It was easier with the tortoises, snakes and other

reptiles, " said Suvendu Behera of Snake Helpline. Being a Sunday, there were

many visitors to the park. Besides the upkeep of cages, the sanitation

facilities were also affected.

 

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