West Bengal bans visitors from entering into zoos, and sanctuaries

West Bengal is the latest state to be experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases. The state that had imposed a partial lockdown last week has now imposed more restrictions that will effectively thin out crowds. The state government has also banned visitors from entering state-run zoos and wildlife sanctuaries with immediate effect.
According to Chief Wildlife Warden, VK Yadav, visitors cannot enter conservation reserves, national parks, zoos, tiger reserves, which are run by the forest department.

The notification (dated April 30) issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) said that entry of visitors to forest department run zoos will be stopped from May 1. Hence, it has already been a few days that this restriction has been in place.

The order stated, "All eco-tourism projects and lodges shall not allow guests/visitors. Suitable steps may be taken for cancellation of bookings and refund of the amount if and where required."

As of today, the state has recorded a record 107 deaths, and 17639 cases of COVID-19. The country, on the other hand, reported 3780 deaths in a day, which is again the highest.

The state of West Bengal has a total of 12 zoos, which were also shut last year during the first wave of COVID-19, however, they were reopened in October. The Alipore Zoo is Kolkata, which is also known simply as Calcutta Zoo is one of the oldest zoological parks in India. It is a major attraction among city dwellers, and visitors.