During the Ambazari floods in September that wreaked havoc in the city and inflicted heavy damage to many, as many as 23 animals in Maharajbagh also died. This has been revealed by Maharajbagh Zoo officials in response to an application under Right to Information (RTI) Act filed by activist Abhay Kolarkar. Among other details, Kolarkar sought the information regarding the death of animals during September floods in the city. In response, the officials of the zoo informed him that total 23 animals died in the floods. These included 18 Blackbucks, four Chital (spotted deer), and one Hog Deer. Owing to these deaths, the number of animal deaths in Maharajbagh registered a spike. Previously, in 2019-20, six animals had died. In 2020-21, one animal death was reported. In 2021-22, again, the number of animal deaths rose to six. However, due to deaths during September 2023 floods, the number of animal deaths rose to 23 for the period between 2022-23 and 2023-24 (upto October 31, 2023).

 

As per the information received by Kolarkar, Maharajbagh Zoo had total 82 animals in 2019-20. The number rose to 83 in 2020-21. The next year, 2021-22, the number rose to 88. However, between 2022-23 and up to October 31, 2023, the total number of animals has come down to 74. From the data, it appears, had there not been deaths of 23 animals, the total number of animals in the zoo might have been 97 up to October 31. Kolarkar also sought information regarding the year-wise revenue of the zoo. Accordingly, the Assistant Registrar and Public Information Officer of Agriculture College under Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth informed Kolarkar that the revenue of the zoo was Rs 1,19,02,750/- in 2019. The next year, it dipped to Rs 38,15,962/-, probably owing to COVID-19 outbreak. In 2021, the revenue increased to Rs 68,50,000/-. The revenue rose further to Rs 1.25 crore in 2022. Now, in 2023 (upto October 31), the zoo has registered revenue of Rs 1 crore. Thus, post-COVID, the revenue earning of the zoo has increased.

 

As far as expenditure on the food of animals in Maharajbagh is concerned, it was Rs 48,93,313/- in 2019-20. It rose to Rs 80,37,676/- in 2020-21. The next financial year 2021-22, the expenditure on animal feed increased to Rs 81,60,049/-. In 2022-23, it marginally reduced to Rs 80,96,355/-. Between April 1 and October 31 this year (2023), the expenditure incurred on animal feed is Rs 45,63,753/-. The animal feed comprises milk, buffalo beef, chicken, mutton, dead and live fish, prawn, crab, and egg for tigers, leopards, jackals, crocodiles, and otters.