Let's talk about zoos

One of the most chilling photographs in recent times has to be that of the boy cowering in fear a few inches from a white tiger in Delhi zoo. You would think we wouldn't be interested in seeing a man get gorged by an animal, but everyone from our news media and people on Whatsapp thought it great family viewing. As expected, the incident led to reactions ranging from blaming the boy and blaming the zoo for not having adequate facilities though what we should be looking at is the culture of zoos in general.

First things first, even though Delhi zoo is considered one of the finest in the country, it is clear to anyone who pays a visit how utterly lacking it is in facilities. During my last visit, I saw a hole in the outer wall of the crocodile compound – big enough for humans to go through and for crocodiles to go out if they feel like taking a stroll. The lions were sitting in a small room fitted with water coolers that looked like old Mig-21 spare parts. Rest rooms are few and far between, though I guess we should be happy that some exist at all.

Then there's the worst thing about the zoo – humans. In my first and last visit in 2004, I saw people feeding uncle chips to hippos because we all know a balanced diet is really important. Chimps were being hit by pebbles to show some "kartab" because the only other time we've seen them is on the streets doing backflips in hideous make-up. I'm still trying to find the guy who etched Raja loves Pinky on the tree next to the cafeteria. I think, it's clear that as much as we like espousing the virtues of a zoo as an educational reserve – animals are under constant stress because of visitors and the infrastructure both. Without taking anything away from the staff of the zoo, who I'm sure work hard with whatever resources they have, I'm sure even they'll agree that if it were upto them they'd rather see the animals in their natural habitat rather than hanging out next to the place where Delhi sees its Auto Expo.

The latest incident at the Delhi zoo only goes to highlight that we need to have a debate in this country about whether we need such places in the first place. Unfortunately, all we have is zoos such as Byculla talk about getting two penguins. If there's one thing Mumbai's climate is best for and is missing – its penguins.