Dehradun: Forest minister Subodh Uniyal on Wednesday inaugurated an enclosure for a two-year-old Himalayan black bear at Dehradun zoo. The bear, rescued from Kanasar forests in Chakrata in April last year, was opened for public viewing in an enclosure in the zoo’s nearly 20-hectare safari area.Officials said the bear was brought to the zoo after approval from Central Zoo Authority (CZA), which cleared its public display on March 9. Another Himalayan black bear, rescued from Gopeshwar in Chamoli district, was awaiting CZA approval before being put on display.During the inauguration, Uniyal said the tiger enclosure opened last year had increased footfall and revenue at the zoo. “The zoo received nearly 1.5 lakh visitors and earned around Rs 1.5 crore,” he said, adding, “The black bear would further enhance the zoo’s role as a centre for wildlife awareness and tourism.”Ranjan Mishra, principal chief conservator of forests and head of forest force, said the bear was kept under quarantine before being shifted to the public enclosure. “Zoo veterinarians and keepers monitored its health, feeding habits and behaviour during this period,” he said.
