Zoological parks—or rather their new and evolved versions that aim to break barriers between humans and wildlife—are one of the best ways to observe birds in a large number.
These new zoological parks do not have cages for birds. Instead, they occupy a larger habitat and can move about freely as only a railing separates them from visitors. This gives the birds a sense of space and also restricts visitors from intruding into their territory.
According to a report in the Times of India, the country’s longest aviary opened in Chhatbir Zoo, which is located near Chandigarh, this week. Termed as a ‘walk with feathered birds’, the 300-metre long walk allows you to get a closer glimpse at the lives of 32 indigenous and exotic birds such as the red jungle fowl, black partridges, painted stork, intermediate egret and white ibis.
These birds have been housed in five different thematic exhibits —Terrestrial, Rock and Duck, Woodland, Japanese Trail and Rainforest.
This has been done after a lot of thought as some bird species may not interact with each other naturally, and this might create problems (preying or eating the eggs or chicks of other bird species).
Speaking to the Times of India, Dr Kuldip Kumar, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, said, “Chhatbir attracts seven lakh visitors per year, and the aviary will boost its attraction. Initially, in the guise of a pilot project, we will allow groups of people to go in manageable numbers, but they will be separated by a time gap. We will evaluate the desirability of a nominal entry fee for the aviary.”
Mr Kumar added that an information centre and guides and boards would provide viewers with educative insights into the lives of the birds.
If Chhatbir is a far-off dream for you, here is a glimpse of the mesmerising avians at the park.
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Pictures’ source: Chandigarh- The City Beautiful.
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)
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