Send jumbos to German zoo,but with care: HC to Centre

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Union government and the Central Zoo Authority to ensure that the transfer of two Karnataka elephants.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Union government and the Central Zoo Authority to ensure that the transfer of two Karnataka elephants,which will be given to a German zoo in exchange for two cheetahs,is carried out in a diligent manner. They were also asked to ensure that the animals are provided with a conducive atmosphere in the foreign country.

The Bench,also comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna,was hearing a fresh PIL filed by the Delhi-based Animal and Birds Charitable Trust,which sought a judicial direction to restrain the authorities from transferring the two elephants to Germany in exchange for the cheetahs. The exchange is being carried out between the Liepzig Zoo and Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens,Mysore,the petition stated,adding that the transfer could prove fatal for the elephants.

The habitat in India is totally different from the environment in Germany. Indian elephants will be totally unprepared for such cold weather,which may pose a risk to their health and lead to unacceptable periods of indoor confinement, the petition read. Annexing a chart of comparative temperatures of both the countries to drive home the point,the petition further alleged that the authorities were relocating the animals in complete violation of their own guidelines in that regard.

The counsel for the government,however,refuted the allegations and claimed there was no threat to the health of the elephants and such exchange programmes had taken place in the past as well. The authorities further assured the Bench that arrangements to provide a suitable environment to the elephants would be made in the German zoo.

After hearing the arguments,Justice Misra made it clear that the court was only concerned about the health of the animals,and the authorities must ensure they are relocated in a proper manner in sync with the guidelines.

I,myself,have been to the national park and I certainly realise the importance of the animals lives. You (the authorities) must ensure that the transportation or transfer of the elephants is done in sync with the guidelines, the judge ordered.

The Bench further stipulated that the authorities should get updates on the health of the elephants after their relocation. The petitioner (trust) will also be provided with the details,if they seek a response under the RTI Act, the court said.

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