Kolkata Zoo Faces Increased Costs Due to Ban on Buffalo Slaughter

Impact of Buffalo Slaughter Ban on Kolkata Zoo

Kolkata, August 3 - The Kolkata Municipal Corporation's ban on the slaughter of buffaloes has forced the authorities at the state-run Alipore Zoo to feed its carnivorous animals goat meat, leading to a significant rise in food expenses. A senior official disclosed this information on Monday. The official noted that since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in the state, there has been a prohibition on the slaughter of buffaloes and other cattle at the KMC abattoir located in Tangra.

Contractors supplying meat to the zoo have claimed that the municipal body has not renewed their licenses, resulting in the need to purchase goat meat at much higher prices. Previously, the zoo's eight tigers, a pair of gray wolves, and a pair of Asiatic lions were fed buffalo meat. This issue was prominently discussed in a recent meeting between the forest minister, Manoj Kumar Uraon, and meat suppliers.

The official mentioned that this was the first meeting of its kind between a state forest minister and meat suppliers. The minister assured the suppliers that the state government would address this issue with the KMC as soon as possible. Until then, the zoo's carnivorous animals will continue to receive goat meat, and there will be no reduction in the quantity or quality of their food.

According to tender documents, the zoo requires approximately 51,000 kilograms of buffalo meat annually. The cost of boneless buffalo meat is around ₹350 per kilogram, while meat with bones costs about ₹270 per kilogram. Additionally, the zoo purchases around 2,800 kilograms of buffalo mince each year, priced at ₹285 per kilogram.

In contrast, the zoo only needs about 980 kilograms of goat meat annually. However, the price for boneless goat meat is approximately ₹728 per kilogram, and meat with bones costs around ₹695 per kilogram. Goat mince is priced at about ₹726 per kilogram, resulting in a substantial increase in the zoo's expenses due to reliance on goat meat.

The official stated, "The high demand for goat and lamb meat in Kolkata has created a peculiar situation for meat suppliers, leading to an imbalance in supply compared to previous levels. Furthermore, large carnivorous animals like tigers and lions prefer buffalo meat, but currently, they are only receiving goat meat, which they do not favor, as they also dislike chicken."