Better days Ahead

Jamshedpur, Nov. 7: A renowned UK-based wildlife conservation agency has agreed to become a technical partner of Tata Steel Zoological Park while commissioning the proposed project of breeding and re-introduction of giant squirrel and mouse deer.

Located in Jersey, Durrel Wildlife Conservation Trust officials recently held detailed discussions on the project with the Tata zoo authorities here. They agreed to provide the necessary know-how on breeding and re-introduction of the animals as well as other inputs.

The Tata zoo has embarked on a new initiative to bring giant squirrel and mouse deer — both nearly extinct species of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary — under the conservation umbrella. A team from Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has already recommended the zoo’s name for the project. A final nod from CZA is awaited.

The zoo authorities had recently initiated talks with Lee Durrel, a founding member of the trust. Tata zoo director Bipul Chakravarty said: “Lee’s husband Gerald was Jamshedpur-born and his wife readily agreed to come forward with technical expertise.”

Chakravarty said they opted to approach the Durrel Trust after they realised that Gerald, a well-known author as well, was born here. “Gerald was a famous conservationist. The trust has the capability to breed and re-introduce animals nearing extinction. They have world class facilities at their disposal,” he added.

The Tata zoo authorities have finished the spadework as far as the project is concerned. The authorities plan to approach Nandan Kanan Zoo and the ones at Assam and Hyderabad for technical help. “We’ll try to seek technical help from all agencies involved in breeding and re-introduction of endangered animals. It’s necessary as we are new to this project which involves several modalities,” added Chakravarty.

Officials added that the zoo authorities are also in touch with Orissa Veterinary College in Bhubaneswar.