Punjab Forest and Wildlife Minister, Lal Chand Kataruchak said that wildlife sanctuaries and zoos Increase attraction and affection among humankind towards wildlife.
Chairing state-level National Wildlife Week 2023 celebrations observed at Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, ChhatBir Zoo, Zirakpur, the Forest Minister said though Punjab has less forest cover out of the existing cover we have 13 sanctuaries that contribute to 10 percent of the forest area. Similarly, Punjab has five zoos to conserve rare species of wildlife where a number of birds and wildlife animals and reptiles have been conserved in a better way.
He said the Chhatbir Zoo is among the first three primary National Level Zoo’s which are recognized by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He said that currently, this Zoo houses about 2000 birds and animals of over 125 species which are known as rare and endangered.
He said that besides research and training, advanced ICU and breeding facilities are also available in the Chhatbir Zoo. The exchange program is a continuous phenomenon in which rare species have been exchanged with the other Zoos in the country.