Lack of funds a hindrance in upkeep of the big cats

The self sustained Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is not only facing shortfall in its annual income, but is also unable to house tigers due to lack of funds and expertise.

The BBP is unable to meet the targeted annual income of Rs6.5 crore. According to statistics from the BBP office, during the year 2009-10, the income of the park was Rs680 lakh, while the expenditure was Rs537 lakh. Experts said that the surplus was not sufficient for the upkeep of the animals.

A veterinarian treating the tigers in BBP said on condition of anonymity that about Rs2 lakh was needed every year for the upkeep of a single tiger. Presently, Rs5,000 is being spent on a tiger’s medication in case of the animal getting affected by any illness.

Even the BBP’s expertise in taking care of the animals is not satisfactory. Many caretakers are ill equipped and lack adequate knowhow to attend to the tigers. There is also no proper hygiene.
Speaking to DNA, Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), chairman M Nanjundaswamy accepted that there was a dearth of funds in BBP to manage the big cats. He said that the request sent to the government for funds was pending. “Every year, there is a shortfall of Rs25-30 lakh. Now only Rs1crore remains in the account which is to be used for all zoos in Karnataka,” he said.

This year, the BBP aims to earn an additional Rs20-25 lakh, as the cost sharing ratio between the BBP and the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation has been revised from 60:40 to 50:50.