SunstarTV Bureau: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is going to build the world’s largest zoo in terms of number and species of animals at one place in Jamnagar in Gujarat.
MK Das, Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s office, confirmed on that the zoo was being developed by RIL which operates a refinery in Jamnagar, while making a presentation on Gujarat at a virtual conference under ‘ASSOCHAM Foundation Week 2020’.
“As we all know the world’s tallest statue is in Gujarat (Statue of Unity in Kevadiya). Now, one of the world’s biggest zoos, in terms of number and species of animals at one place, is coming up very shortly in Jamnagar,” Das said.
Notably, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved the establishment of the zoo. As per the CZA Annual report, it has approved the establishment of a mega zoo called Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Kingdom at Jamnagar, Gujarat by Reliance Industries Limited. As per details uploaded on the CZA website, the zoo will be spread over 280 acres.
“Plan for the proposed establishment of the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Kingdom at Jamnagar, Gujarat by Reliance Industries Limited was approved by the 33rd Meeting of the Central Zoo Authority held on February 12, 2019,” the CZA website informed.
Planned habitat of the zoo:
The CZA annual report stated that the zoo should explore housing the mixed species of herbivore in exhibits. Also, the species of birds which are found common in nature in neighbouring area of the zoo, should not be part of the Animal Collection Plan. The Great India Bustard (GIB), a highly rare and endangered bird, at present none of the zoo has GOB in captivity, thus the same is to be avoided from the proposed Animal Collection Plan. The Zoo has also been asked to reduce the number of exotic species.
As per the plan layout shared on the Central Zoo Authority’s website, the zoo will have sections like ‘Forest of India’, ‘Frog House’, ‘Insect Life’, ‘Dragon’s Land’, ‘Exotic Island’, ‘Wild Trail of Gujarat’ and ‘Aquatic Kingdom’ among others. Various species, including barking deers, slender loris, sloth bears, fishing cats, komodo dragons, Indian wolves and Rosypelicans are proposed to be part of the animal collection.
Notably, RIL has also set up a rescue centre at Jamnagar where a few leopards were recently shifted from the wild by the state forest department.
