Sambalpur: Insect-Infested Substandard Food Being Given to Animals at Sambalpur Zoo; Lives of 300 Herbivorous Animals in Danger, ACF Denies Allegations
Low-Quality Food for Herbivores
Sambalpur: Sambalpur Zoo is under fire for feeding poor-quality food to its animals. Viral videos show that the zoo authorities are giving spoiled and insect-infested food instead of high-grade food. Especially herbivorous animals and birds are receiving this substandard food, raising serious concerns.
Officials Try to Downplay the Issue
When the issue came to light, officials tried to avoid direct answers. According to insiders, animals are regularly fed this low-grade food despite protocols in place. Sambalpur Zoo, established in 1980 as a Deer Park over 13 hectares, now houses about 300 herbivores from 31 species. Food is regularly purchased for them, and a special SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) exists to ensure food safety. A veterinarian is supposed to inspect the food before feeding.
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Alarming Ground Reality
However, reality tells a different story. A zoo employee revealed that food often smells bad and contains small insects. When media personnel visited the site, they confirmed the claims. Some staff members remained silent, but one senior employee, under anonymity, stated that such food is given every day.
Authorities Are Aware, But Silent
Shockingly, this situation is known to officials, including the DFO (Divisional Forest Officer), ACF (Assistant Conservator of Forests), and rangers. Even the officer in charge of food inspection is aware. The zoo reportedly buys food from a trader in Khetrajpur, paying nearly 50% less than the government-approved rate. Moreover, animals are getting less food than require.
Higher-Level Probe Demanded
This issue clearly needs a high-level investigation to uncover the full truth. When reporters contacted the wildlife officer of Hirakud Forest Division, he did not respond. However, ACF Jatindra Kumar Singh denied the allegations. He insisted that animals receive high-quality food, which follows the SOP. He also said that veterinarians inspect the food regularly before feeding.
