Gorakhpur Zoo bans colours, gulal on campus

Gorakhpur: The Gorakhpur zoo administration has tightened measures to ensure the safety of its wildlife. The Shaheed Ashfaque Ullah Khan Zoological Park, home to over 325 wild animals, has imposed a strict ban on bringing colors and gulal inside the premises.From Tuesday onwards, visitors will be screened, and those found carrying colors will face fines.Yogesh Pratap Singh, Deputy Director of the zoo, emphasized the dangers of Holi colors for animals. "Wild animals clean themselves by licking their bodies. If chemical-laden colors stick to their skin, they may ingest them while grooming, leading to severe gastrointestinal diseases," he explained. He also warned that toxic compounds like lead oxide, mercury sulfate, and copper sulfate present in synthetic colors could cause skin allergies, eye infections, and respiratory issues in animals. DFO/ Zoo Director Vikas Yadav stated that the park will remain closed on Holi to prevent any potential harm to the animals. He urged visitors to celebrate responsibly and avoid endangering wildlife. The administration is taking strict measures to ensure the festival of colors does not turn hazardous for the voiceless creatures.