Conservationist writes to CZA about gross violations at Pilikula Biological Park

MANGALURU

Wildlife conservationist Bhuvan Mangaluru has written to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), highlighting gross violations of CZA guidelines and raising alarm over a severe animal welfare crisis at Pilikula Biological Park (PBP). In his complaint to the CZA, Bhuvan alleged that the common boundary wall between the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and the zoo collapsed, causing untreated and contaminated sewage water to flood enclosures. There is widespread water logging, creating unhygienic and disease-prone conditions for the animals. He pointed out that species like the ostrich, which thrives in dry conditions, have no shelter from the rain. Bhuvan further claimed that the collapse of the zoo's outer wall allowed feral dogs to enter the zoo premises freely, posing a significant threat of predation and disease transmission. He alleged that some herbivorous species went without proper feed for five consecutive days and were reduced to gnawing on tree bark for survival. Raising serious safety concerns, he reported flooding and broken barricades in the Sambar and Indian Gaur enclosures, which he said could lead to animal escapes into public areas.

He also noted that the condition of the lion enclosure was critically poor, putting the animals, zoo staff, and visitors at risk.

Reacting to the allegations, Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, in-charge commissioner of Pilikula Development Authority, clarified that heavy rains led to multiple trees being uprooted, and collapse of the compound wall at two points. However, he asserted that there is no danger of animals escaping as trenches are in place around the enclosures.He said water flow from the nearby Mangaluru City Corporation's Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), which overflowed due to rain, entered parts of Pilikula. "We will write to the MCC commissioner seeking necessary measures to resolve this issue," he said.