(IN) Gangetic dolphins in zoo?

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From ANIMAL PEOPLE, October 2009:

 

 

Gangetic dolphins in zoo?

 

NEW DELHI, PATNA--Created to protect the Ganga River and

tributaries, the Ganga River Basin Authority debuted on October 5,

2009 by declaring Gangetic dolphins the Indian national aquatic

animal, on a motion by Bijar chief minister Nitish Kumar. The

action gives Gangetic dolphins status equivalent to tigers, the

national animal, and peacocks, the national bird. As few as 1,500

Gangetic dolphins remain in the Ganga basin.

" Gangetic dolphins represent the health of the rivers,

particularly the Ganga, " explained national environment and forest

minister Jairam Ramesh. Only in office since August 2009,

Ramesh has rapidly developed an animal-friendly reputation--but he

stepped into hot water at a Wildlife Week function just a day later

by pledging to " ensure that the Gangetic dolphin is kept in the Delhi

Zoo, for creating awareness among visitors about the importance of

the species. "

The Delhi Zoo has no dolphinarium, Delhi Zoo animal care has

often been controversial, and People for Animals founder Maneka

Gandhi, who twice held Ramesh's portfolio in the 1980s and 1990s,

has for more than 30 years fought efforts to introduce dolphinariums

to India.

Citing the Ganga River Basin Authority motion, Nitish Kumar

on October 8, 2009 ordered the Bijar state police to stop dolphin

hunting and captures.

 

 

 

--

Merritt Clifton

Editor, ANIMAL PEOPLE

P.O. Box 960

Clinton, WA 98236

 

Telephone: 360-579-2505

Fax: 360-579-2575

E-mail: anmlpepl

Web: www.animalpeoplenews.org

 

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