Here’s good news for animal lovers. The State Forest Department has started works on an integrated rehabilitation centre for wild animals and birds. The centre will form part of an expansion project of the current elephant rehabilitation centre at Kottoor near here.
The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC), the implementing agency, aims to complete the Rs 200 lakh project by next year.
‘’The project involves the development of the elephant camp and setting up of facilities to house rescued snakes and birds,’’ said KFDC managing director K J Varghese.
‘’The elephant camp which has nine inmates at present will be expanded to accommodate around thirty animals. A huge aviary will also be set up which would double up as a rescue centre,’’ he said.
The corporation plans to set up an aviary with around 15 m height and having an area of 4,000 sq m. The reptile centre will be used to house rescued snakes. While the centre will have some permanent inhabitants, most of the animals will be released into the wild once they recuperate. The Forest Veterinary Officer stationed at Konni will supervise the medical care of the animals.
The KFDC has started works to develop visitors’ facilities at the centre. ‘’The accommodation facility will be improved and a viewing deck will be set up in the initial phase,’’ Varghese said. ‘’Cottages will be built to accommodate 20 persons and the existing restaurant facility will also be improved,’’ he said.
‘’Around 10,000 persons visit the centre every year. We do not wish to draw more visitors, but aim to make a qualitative improvement in facilities for visitors,’’ Varghese said. The KFDC has also started fencing works to protect the key areas on the 56-hectare campus.
Located around 35 km from the capital, Kottoor is part of the Agasthyakoodam biological park. A watch tower to provide a splendid view of the green surroundings, spotting wild animals, trekking and elephant safari are among the attractions here.
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