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By Nischal Sanghavi
After a tiger at New York Zoo tested positive for the respiratory disease caused by the Corona virus in April, concerns have been raised for the Asiatic lion over the opening of Gir Safari soon.
Gir Safari was closed for visitors following the lockdown by the government in late March. The State government has now decided that Gir Safari park will be open for tourists from October 16. Also, Gir’s Devaliya Safari park
will be open for visitors from October1. However a conservationist and locals have raised serious concerns about the disease spreading to the animals, if the safari is opened soon.
State Wildlife Board Member and Conservationist Bhushan Pandya, however suggests that the opening be delayed. Recent news from New York zoo has confirmed that lions and tigers also get infected by Corona virus,
if the government is reopening the safari, very strict norms should be followed. There has been no problem till now, as forest handlers and staff operate in isolation and take precautions. However, when tourists start flocking in, there are high chances that staff may get infected, which in turn may spread to animals. Even spitting or smoked cigarette remnants thrown by a Covid positive tourist may lead to spread of disease.
A Gir native also believes that opening a safari at this time is dangerous. He suggests that they should still wait to reopen the lion safari.
However, DT Vasavda, chief conservator of forest, Junagadh wildlife circle, is of the opinion that they are taking all precautions and making it mandatory for people to wear masks. They will also would not allow visitors to get down from their vehicles.