Chennai: India’s largest zoo in Chennai–the Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP) at Vandalur–as well as the Madras Crocodile Bank on the ECR, have received help to overcome the challenges from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The AAZP, popularly called as Vandalur Zoo and the Crocodile bank depend heavily on the revenue generated through visitors for the animals’ upkeep and facility maintenance.
However, given the pandemic and the resultant restricted people movement has severely impacted this revenue stream, leading to the two organisations looking for external support to provide critical animal care.
HCL is extending support to help with animal feed and care at the two facilities, while also providing salaries to the caretakers involved in sanitisation and maintenance for a period of six months.
The Madras Crocodile Bank which houses over 2000 adult and 100 juvenile crocodiles and other species, is an iconic institution that has been engaged in the conservation of rare species for over four decades.
Madras Crocodile Bank Director Allwin Jesudasan said “reptiles play a vital role in maintaining a balance in our ecosystem. However, the pandemic is threatening their very survival. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to HCL for supporting the Crocodile Bank in these challenging times and thank them for their commitment towards animal welfare.”
Debasis Jana, Director of AAZP, which houses 2,700 animals of nearly 170 species including mammals, birds and reptiles, also praised HCL’s efforts while underlining the need for greater support for captive animals and birds in the current scenario.