HCL Supports Chennai Zoo and Madras Crocodile Bank Trust to Tide Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
Chennai: HCL is extending its support to India’s largest zoo in Chennai – the Arignar Anna Zoological Park – as well as the Madras Crocodile Bank, to help them overcome the challenges from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Chennai Zoo and the Crocodile bank depend heavily on the revenue generated through visitors for the animals’ upkeep and facility maintenance. However, given the pandemic and the resultant restricted people movement has severely impacted this revenue stream, leading to the two organizations looking for external support to provide critical animal care. HCL is extending support to help with animal feed and care at the two facilities, while also providing salaries to the caretakers involved in sanitization and maintenance for a period of six months.
The Crocodile Bank which houses over 2000 adult and 100 juvenile crocodiles and other species, is an iconic institution that has been engaged in the conservation of rare species for over four decades.
Expressing his gratitude, Allwin Jesudasan, Director, Madras Crocodile Bank said, “Reptiles play a vital role in maintain a balance in our ecosystem; however, the pandemic is threatening their very survival. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to HCL for stepping in to support the Crocodile Bank in these challenging times and thank them for their commitment towards animal welfare.”
Mr. Debasis Jana, Director of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai which houses 2700 animals of nearly 170 species including mammals, birds and reptiles also praised HCL’s efforts while underlining the need for greater support for captive animals and birds in the current scenario.
Animal welfare is one of the key aspects of the COVID-19 relief work being driven by HCL across the country. During the lockdown, the organization has provided over 1.20 lakh feeds to the stray and abandoned animals in Noida and Bengaluru. It has also supported Friendicoes SECA (Society for the Eradication of Cruelty to Animals) by providing animal feed for 3000 rescued animals for a period of 65 days. HCL is also extending similar support to the Lucknow Zoo in Uttar Pradesh.