Mumbai: No fresh meat for animals in SGNP, Mumbai zoo amid Lumpy Skin Disease

Carnivorous animals at the Byculla zoo and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park will no longer be able to devour fresh buffalo meat, with the government banning transportation and slaughter of cattle in the city to contain the spread of lumpy skin disease.

The authorities at the zoo and the SGNP said they will rely on frozen meat and chicken to feed their lions, tigers and leopards till supply resumes.

"Yes, we have started fresh chicken for the animals. Also, we will ask the supplier to reserve export quality frozen buffalo meat if the current supply conditions continue," said Vijay Baradbe, a range forest officer and in-charge of the SGNP Leopard Rescue Team.

Byculla zoo has 2 tigers, 4 leopards, 2 hyenas and as many jackals. File pic

Lumpy skin disease is a contagious viral infection that spreads among cattle through flies, mosquitoes, lice and wasps, as well as through contaminated food and water. It causes fever and nodules on the skin and can be fatal.

Dr Sanjay Tripathi, director of Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan And Zoo, popularly called Byculla zoo, said they are still receiving fresh meat. "If fresh meat is not available, we can provide frozen meat. We have up to 200 kg of meat in our cold storage. Also, chicken can be given to animals. There will be no shortage of frozen meat."

Also Read: Mumbai: BMC to inspect city's stables, cow shelters to curb spread of lumpy skin disease

Captive animals are given meat as per their age and weight. A mature tiger needs 11-12 kg of fresh meat, a lion needs 12-13 kg, while a leopard is fed 6-7 kg of meat, said an official from Byculla zoo. A hyena needs 4-5 kg and a jackal is given 2-3 kg. "If it is frozen meat, it has to be given in more quantity because it doesn't contain bones," said the official.

The zoo has two tigers, four leopards, two hyenas and two jackals. There are two lions, six tigers, 17 leopards, three jackals and two rusty spotted cats at the SGNP.

The Maharashtra government last week declared the whole state a "controlled area" to curb the spread of the lumpy skin disease. Reported in 59 talukas across 17 districts of the state, the viral disease has killed 25 bovine animals so far. Starting September 9, authorities have banned the entry of cattle to Mumbai and prohibited slaughter.

140kg
Quantity of meat required by SGNP every day