The Delhi Zoo is planning on introducing two tiger cubs for public viewing. But before that, the zoo authorities are trying to ensure that the cubs are properly acclimatised. With this a committee has been formed, which will make sure that the area is cleared of any object that may cause injury to the cubs and will also check if the height of waterholes is fine.
“We are planning to put the cubs for public viewing soon and some official formalities are being worked upon. The committee will focus on three perspectives, namely veterinary or health, animal behaviour and security of the cubs,” said Delhi Zoo director Akanksha Mahajan.
The small cubs, who are soon turning eight months old, will be introduced first to smaller groups of people. After that, gradually exposure will be given to larger crowds, so the cubs do not face mental stress and crowd reaction doesn’t affect their ethology or basic behaviour, officials said.
After the cubs are released out of their krall into an arena, the committee will also ensure that the waterbodies are sufficiently filled and the environment is okay for them. It will also be ensured that the fences are tightly knit and there are no escape exits.
“For long, they have stayed in a krall and seen only their mother apart from a few keepers. It is important to keep their behaviour intact. For this, we have decided that once other objectives are met, we will release them in the arena on a day when the zoo remains closed, followed by weekdays when the crowd is usually less. We will observe how they react initially, as in if they are hiding or running away or are over excited. When deemed fit, we will display them on the weekends as well,” Mahajan explained.