Kolkata: Alipore Zoo, along with other zoos in the state, Deer Park and Siliguri’s Bengal Safari, reopened after more than five months on Wednesday, following the Covid second wave break.
On the reopening day, Alipore Zoo recorded a while around 1,200.
The day starts early at the city zoo, with the staff cleaning the whole campus with anti-viral spray.
They also cleaned the cover and made a comprehensive examination to ensure all Covid protocols were in place.
Eight counter tickets opened at 9am.
Secretary of members of the State Zoo Authority, Sourav Chowdhury, said all Covid guidelines were strictly followed on Wednesday – from checking the use of masks and making visitors undergo a thermal examination to apply the distance of the zoo.
“We did not use the sanititis gate, instead we cleaned the hands of visitors before allowing them to enter.
The guards were also posted near the attachment to ensure all the protocols were being followed,” he added.
On the first day, the excitement of the visitors was palpable.
Abdul Selim Gazi, a park reached the resident, who visited the zoo along with his wife, son and a friend, “nice to spend quality in the middle of greenery around.
My child also enjoys watching animals.
It is a very necessary break.” Sweta Chaturvedi, a class-third student from Chhattisgarh, who was in town to consult a doctor, visited the zoo on Wednesday with his family.
“We went to Victoria Memorial on Tuesday and came to the zoo too.
But it was closed but the staff told us about the reopening on Wednesday.
So, we visited the zoo again today.
I am very happy to have a glimpse of animals such as chimpanzees, Tigers and elephants, “he said.
Shreya Majumdar, Tripura residents who are in Kolkata are now with their families, visiting the zoo on Wednesday with her husband, Mother-in-in-law and Kid.
“We went to Science City on Tuesday.
Today, we decided to visit the zoo.
We were very happy to know that it was reopened today after the Covid break.
Visiting the zoo is a must if someone is in Kolkata,” he added.
Abhishek Kumar from Jharkhand, who has come to Kolkata to attend family gatherings, visit the zoo with 10-12 other family members.
His son Ayan Arian, a class of class I, said, “I spent time in front of a tiger cage.
I am happy to see tigers for the first time,” he said.
Bengal Safari and Darjeeling Zoo recorded their legs in 197 and 430 on Wednesday.
(With input from Roshan Gupta)