New Delhi, Jul 16 (PTI) The Delhi Zoo will upgrade its existing Reptile House into a modern, immersive facility with advanced temperature regulation systems, improved environmental controls and enhanced visitor interpretation facilities as part of its forthcoming modernisation plan.
The proposed upgrade also includes the acquisition of additional reptile species, with a focus on animal welfare, conservation breeding, research, education and improving the visitor experience, Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar said on World Snake Day.
The zoo currently houses six species of snakes, comprising 26 adult snakes and three hatchlings, in scientifically managed enclosures, he said.
The zoo has introduced several measures over the past year to improve snake husbandry and welfare, including the installation of UV lighting systems, temperature and humidity monitoring equipment, environmental enrichment inside the Reptile House, coco peat bedding and artificial incubation of snake eggs using scientific protocols, the director said.
These efforts have resulted in the successful hatching of three Indian cobra hatchlings. Eggs of rat snakes are currently under artificial incubation, he said.
As part of the forthcoming modernisation plan of the National Zoological Park, the existing Reptile House is proposed to be upgraded into a modern, immersive facility equipped with advanced thermoregulatory systems, improved environmental controls and enhanced visitor interpretation facilities, he said.
The plan also envisages the acquisition of additional reptile species with a continued focus on animal welfare, conservation breeding, research, education and an enriched visitor experience.
As part of the World Snake Day celebrations, the zoo organised an expert lecture on snake biology, conservation and safe handling for its permanent staff, followed by a hands-on reptile management training programme for assistant keepers, multi-tasking staff and reptile care personnel.
The training was conducted in collaboration with Wildlife SOS, whose experts demonstrated scientific methods of reptile care, husbandry and safe handling practices, according to the official.
He said that to raise awareness among visitors, the zoo also organised a snake-themed doodle activity for children and a quiz competition highlighting the ecological importance of snakes and their role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
The programmes saw participation from nearly 50 staff members, 20 interns, two volunteers and around 900 visitors, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumar said snakes are an essential part of natural ecosystems as they help control rodent populations and maintain ecological balance.
He reiterated the zoo’s commitment to scientific animal management, conservation breeding, wildlife education and creating greater public awareness about the need to protect reptiles and their habitats. PTI SHB SHB MDO MDO
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