Expanding scale, improving living space for animals
After a period of investment and repair, Hanoi Zoo has now undergone many changes, improving the habitat for animals, from space to barns to environmental care and hygiene.
Before the renovation, the Zoo had 37 cages, raising nearly 600 individuals of 88 species, including 32 endemic and rare species. The barn space at that time was assessed to be degraded and cramped, not meeting the living and reproductive needs of many species.
After the Department of Construction proposed an investment policy for renovation and expansion, the park has expanded the zoo area at the main gate of Buoi Street and the western area (Kim Ma - Cau Giay Street).
Thanks to that, the number of cages was increased from 37 to 42, creating more living space, improving farming conditions for animals.
A representative of the Zoo's cleaning staff said that the barn cleaning work is done regularly twice a day (morning and afternoon). Each shift lasts more than an hour, including many stages such as: Washing the barn, sweeping leaves, cutting grass, changing water in and out of the barn...
After completing the cleaning, the staff will feed the animals. The unit has adjusted the portion of food to ensure health, increase cold resistance for the herd of animals; supplement supplement supplements and vitamins periodically to increase resistance for animals, especially for young animals, reproductive animals, and weak elderly animals.
For herbivores, the food is chopped or crushed to make it easier to digest; for carnivores, employees often have to choose new meat in large quantities.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Vui - a zoo employee - shared: "The zoo has long advised visitors not to arbitrarily feed animals for personal use, because this can cause animals to have digestive disorders leading to diarrhea, I also often go to cages to remind them".
Positive changes in caring for and improving the marine environment have helped the Zoo regain its beautiful image in the public's eyes, while attracting more and more tourists.
Currently, the Zoo welcomes about 2 million visitors per year, an increase of 15% compared to before.
Ms. Nguyen Quynh An (29 years old, Hanoi) shared: "I have been to the zoo many times, but for about a year now, I have not visited because the area is under renovation. Returning this time, I find that animals are cared for better, are healthier and especially in cages, there is no longer an unpleasant smell like before.
"This is the first time I have visited the zoo. I chose this place when I had the opportunity to go to Hanoi because there are many animals that I have never seen since I was little. The air here is very airy and fresh. I will definitely bring my whole family back next time - Mr. Nguyen Van Hoang (35 years old, Ha Tinh) shared.
The problem between animal welfare and investment costs
Despite efforts to change, the Zoo Management Board is currently facing many challenges in the process of renovating and expanding the living space for animals.
After the plan to increase the number of barns and improve sanitation, the Management Board continues to focus on ensuring the health of wild animals, especially in the current erratic weather conditions.
One of the proposed options is to install dome covers for open cages, typically areas for raising monkeys, storks, and reptiles... to create shade, limit the impact of the weather and help animals have a more stable living environment.
However, the feasibility of the project is still being carefully considered, because this plan requires a significant source of funding, and at the same time, it is necessary to ensure safety when relocating animals during the construction process.
The Management Board said that the unit is looking for optimal solutions between cost, technical and animal welfare factors, so that the renovation can be implemented in the most effective and sustainable way.
