SHILLONG: The picturesque popular recreational destination, Lady Hydari Park which had a footfall of nearly two lakh visitors last year, wears a desolate look today. Thanks to the prevailing lockdown.
According to DFO of East Khasi Hills, Anu James, initially the lockdown posed some difficulties in procuring food, fruits, meat for the animals but before long the situation was taken under control.
The officers entrusted to take care of the birds and animals, keep visiting the Park every now and then. She said, “As of now there are 12 animals which were rescued. Some of the animals were also released. There are veterinarians to check on the rescued animals”.
She said that the animals are being closely observed and feeders keep a watch on their behaviour. The feeders also wear full protective gear as per health protocols.
The park, which earned a lakh of rupees last year by way of entry fees, has a variety of animals suited to the local climatic conditions. Among others, there are leopard, slow loris, rhesus macaque, stump tailed macaque, palm civet, Himalayan black bear, common fox, clouded leopard, hog deer, barking deer, sambar deer. Among the avian species lodged in the park are Indian pied horn bill, northern gosh hawk, bar headed goose, blossom, headed parakeet, pond heron, Chinese Geese, grey lag goose, brown fish owl, brown wood owl, Pelican, white breasted water hen, crested serpent eagle, spotted dove.