Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 7
Thirty birds from the Mini Zoo in Kohima were been set free today under the theme ‘In act of love for our beautiful animals.’ They were set free by retired IAS officer KK Sema, officials of Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation (TYO), Kohima Village and Ruvuotuo Belho, proprietor of Mini Zoo.
This is part of the annual releasing programme of birds from this zoo. The zoo is located at Gasie, below CRPF Camp, High School area, Kohima. Riivuotuo Belho started this mini zoo with a deer in 2004 and today it is home to 37 species of birds and animals.
Among the many animals include deer, porcupine, monkey, tortoise, civet cat, eagle owl, pond heron, sparrow, barbet, hornbill, green pigeon, royal pigeon, bulbul, collard pigmy owl, jungle crow etc. Spreading over 5 acres, the zoo is open for visitors on Saturday and Sunday. 62 years old Belho plans to expand the area of this zoo.
KK Sema lauded the efforts of Ruvuotuo Belho for not only taking care of the birds and animals but also preserving them. He said that it was a moment of happiness to see that Belho has taken his voluntary instinctive nature of wanting to preserve wildlife, the best he can in his own limited capacity and sustaining this set up.
Challenging others to engage in preservation of animals and birds, he also urged all try to preserve rather than destroy. Expressing that Nagas are in the habit of eating any kind of animals and birds, he urged the people to learn to conserve and maintain ecological balance.
He also urged the state government to take cognizance and extend possible support to such individuals who are engaged in preservation of almost extinct birds and animals in the state. He further wished the establishment to grow into a meaningful one.
