The aquatic birds in Thiruvananthapuram zoo will soon have a new home. Minister for Forests, Animal Husbandary, Dairy Development and Zoos K. Raju will formally inaugurate the new aquatic aviary and an enclosure for seal at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo on March 17.

Almost complete

Work on the new and expansive aquatic aviary, constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.94 crore, has reached completion.

The aquatic birds in the zoo, including pelicans, white ibis, oriental darters, painted storks and grey herons, will be shifted to the new enclosure, which has been constructed by Steel Industries Kerala Ltd (SILK) in place of the existing much smaller one, under the master plan that has been approved by the Central Zoo Authority.

Spacious pond

The new aviary has been established by maintaining the spacious pond that is spread over one-and-a-half acres.

The facility has been designed in a manner that closely resembles the natural habitat of aquatic birds. Two viewing galleries have also been set up as part of the project.

A pumping inlet at the base of the structure as well as a filtration gallery will enable recycling and cleansing of the water, according to zoo authorities.

Besides, the enclosure for accommodating the seal in the zoo has been constructed by the Kerala State Construction Corporation.

Replication

The facility has been designed in a manner that replicates the natural ecosystem of the aquatic mammal, even while ensuring an unrestricted viewing opportunity for visitors from a glassed-in visitors’ gallery. Efforts are on to procure more seals.

Administrative sanction of Rs. 31 lakh had been accorded for the purpose.

The zoo authorities also appreciated the efforts made by officials and employees who ensured the safe journey of the two Himalayan bears from Nagaland recently.

The animals were brought to the Thiruvananthapuram zoo after a long and tedious train journey of 8,000 kilometres.