The visitors have come early this year, but zoo officials claim they haven’t been caught unaware. The migratory birds coming to Delhi zoo have kept their date with the city once again, and the National Zoological Park currently boasts a strength of 800.
“The zoo gets migratory birds usually by the last week of October, but this time we have them coming in by the first and second week of September, which has us pleasantly surprised. We are happy with the numbers coming in and have already increased the feed we provide these birds,” said zoo veterinarian Dr. Paneerselvam.
Migratory birds, including painted storks and shovelers, have already started arriving at the zoo from various parts of the country, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Among the various popular spots in Delhi-NCR, Delhi zoo is the top favourite haunt of the migratory birds. “The aim is to provide these birds a place that is clean and safe, and has adequate food. We were giving the birds 30 kg to 40 kg of small fish, which has now been raised to 50 kg to 60 kg,” noted Dr. Paneerselvam.
“Also, these migratory birds, which are coming in from Central India and the neighbouring States, have started nesting and breeding,” he added.
“This is a good opportunity for bird-watchers and students to get a glimpse of these birds in their near-natural environment at the zoo, where they will live and breed till early next year.”
For visitors, who are encouraged to observe and study the birds from close quarters, the zoo has also put up observation towers at select locations.
“These platforms help bird lovers see these birds dive for food, make their nest, protect their young ones and even fight for their territory. Through this process we hope to make this an enriching programme for visitors to the zoo. Hopefully we can teach them to respect the important role these birds play in maintaining earth’s delicate natural balance.”
