(IN): PETA calls for safety measures for animals, visitors in zoos

July 28, 2009

n-zoos-121798/

PETA calls for safety measures for animals, visitors in

zoos

July 27th, 2009

AURANGABAD - People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Monday urged the

Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to advise all zoos in the country to take

precautionary measures during extreme weather conditions for the safety of

wild animals and human beings around them.

Referring to a news report by IANS last Friday about a white tigress who

stepped out of her enclosure in the Aurangabad Zoo after a wall collapsed,

Sachin Bangera, a spokesman for PETA in Pune claimed that in this instance,

safety rules were not followed leading to the wild creature roaming free for

nearly three hours before she was caught.

The white tigress was found roaming in the 18-acre zoo inside the 31-acre

complex, according to zoo superintendent J.M. Bhadke.

As a precautionary measure, the zoo and local authorities remained on

standby when the operation to re-capture the white cat was launched as the

zoo is located in the heart of the city.

Expressing apprehension that the white tigress could have harmed visitors if

she was left free for more time, PETA said this proved how weak the wall of

the zoo was if it collapsed in stormy weather.

PETA noted that the incident could have even killed the white tigress if the

wall had collapsed on her or if she had fallen into a drain behind it if she

had attempted to escape.

PETA urged the CZA to issue caution to all the zoos in the country,

reiterating safety measures, especially during extreme weather conditions,

to ensure no harm came to the animals and the visitors alike.

The white tigress was finally caught by the zoo officials who managed to

sedate it and put her in another enclosure.

There are eight white cats, three Royal Bengal tigers and a dozen leopards

who are the star attraction of the zoo.

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