Delhi Zoo plans modern reptile house as it marks World Snake Day with conservation push

The Delhi Zoo will upgrade its existing Reptile House into a modern immersive facility with advanced temperature regulation systems improved environmental controls and enhanced visitor interpretation facilities as part of its forthcoming modernisation planThe proposed upgrade also includes the acquisition of additional reptile species with a focus on animal welfare conservation breeding research education and improving the visitor experience Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar said on World Snake DayThe zoo currently houses six species of snakes comprising 26 adult snakes and three hatchlings in scientifically managed enclosures he saidThe zoo has introduced several measures over the past year to improve snake husbandry and welfare including the installation of UV lighting systems temperature and humidity monitoring equipment environmental enrichment inside the Reptile House coco peat bedding and artificial incubation of snake eggs using scientific protocols the director saidThese efforts have resulted in the successful hatching of three Indian cobra hatchlings Eggs of rat snakes are currently under artificial incubation he saidAs part of the forthcoming modernisation plan of the National Zoological Park the existing Reptile House is proposed to be upgraded into a modern immersive facility equipped with advanced thermoregulatory systems improved environmental controls and enhanced visitor interpretation facilities he saidThe plan also envisages the acquisition of additional reptile species with a continued focus on animal welfare conservation breeding research education and an enriched visitor experienceAs part of the World Snake Day celebrations the zoo organised an expert lecture on snake biology conservation and safe handling for its permanent staff followed by a handson reptile management training programme for assistant keepers multitasking staff and reptile care personnelThe training was conducted in collaboration with Wildlife SOS whose experts demonstrated scientific methods of reptile care husbandry and safe handling practices according to the officialHe said that to raise awareness among visitors the zoo also organised a snakethemed doodle activity for children and a quiz competition highlighting the ecological importance of snakes and their role in maintaining ecosystem balanceThe programmes saw participation from nearly 50 staff members 20 interns two volunteers and around 900 visitors he addedSpeaking on the occasion Kumar said snakes are an essential part of natural ecosystems as they help control rodent populations and maintain ecological balanceHe reiterated the zoos commitment to scientific animal management conservation breeding wildlife education and creating greater public awareness about the need to protect reptiles and their habitatsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever