IMPHAL: The Manipur zoological garden, which was closed for visitors after it was flooded by incessant rains six days ago, is set to reopen after the water has been receding at a fast pace.
The only state's zoo located in the Iroisemba area in Imphal West would be thrown open to people as soon as the flood water recedes completely, a senior officer of the Manipur forest department said on Monday.
The catchment area of the zoo's entrance route, part of visitors' road, lawns, deer enclosures and others places inside the zoo were flooded completely due to continuous rain for the past few days.
To ensure the safety of around 400 animals, including 31 species of mammals, 3 reptile species, 20 birds variety and eleven brow antlered deer, locally known as Sangai, housed inside the zoo, the authorities had to keep the zoo shut since July 6.
"We have witnessed quick receding of flood water in the last few days and water is expected to recede completely in a day or two," the officer said.
Before opening the zoo to people, a social service and cleanliness campaign would be conducted by the zoo staff, he said adding that not a single animal has been found infected with water-borne disease.
On being questioned about the housing of emus, he said the birds would be kept in the zoo just for a few days now as construction of enclosures for the big birds has been completed.