By Diksha Modi,News18
Copyright news18
In a bid to enhance the health and immunity of its avian residents, the Kanpur Zoological Park has revised the food menu for several bird species. Ducks and swans are now being served native fish varieties such as ‘rohu’ and ‘catla’, while owls are receiving fresh rats instead of chicken.
Zoo officials say the decision has been guided by the need to provide a diet closer to the birds’ natural food habits, a factor that has gained importance after the Covid-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of boosting immunity among both humans and animals.
The initiative comes under the leadership of the zoo’s new director, Dr Kanhaiya Patel, who is also a veterinarian. He explained that earlier, ducks and swans were fed common fish of inferior quality. “Native species like rohu and catla are high in protein and considered more effective in strengthening immunity,” he said.
A major shift has also been made in the feeding pattern of owls. Until recently, they were given chicken and mutton bones, which experts say is not part of their natural diet. In the wild, owls primarily consume rats, and the zoo has now arranged for them to be fed fresh, clean rats instead.
“The diet chart for the ducks, swans, and owls at the zoo has been changed to strengthen their immunity. Each species of bird has its own natural diet. We are trying to provide them with what is best for them. This change will have a positive impact on both their health and longevity,” Dr Patel told Local18.
The unusual menu has become a talking point among visitors, many of whom are surprised to learn that ducks and swans require a protein-rich diet and do not subsist on grains and water alone. The sight of owls consuming rats has also caught the attention of onlookers, though officials emphasize that this is entirely natural for the species.
According to the zoo administration, more dietary reforms are on the anvil to ensure that every species under its care receives food that is both nutritious and biologically appropriate.
