BELLARY: The crocodile enclosure at the mini zoo in the Radio Park area of the city needs immediate attention as it has become a virtual death trap. Officials are yet to ensure the safety of visitors despite an incident in 2012 when the arm of a boy was bitten off by a tiger.
The iron mesh of the crocodile enclosure, which houses six reptiles, is weak, and the barricade is barely three feet high, making it easy for children to climb for a closer look. In a reality check on Wednesday and Thursday, Express found that there was not a single watchman to monitor the movement of visitors. The only staff present were caretakers.
The mini zoo houses wild animals, birds and snakes. The Forest Department has not posted trained guards to impose discipline on the zoo premises, a source said.
Range Forest Officer U Naagi Reddy told Express that two security guards will posted at the zoo from Wednesday.
When asked about the fragile condition of the enclosure, he said steps will be taken immediately to increase the height, and cover it completely with an iron grill.