The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Shocking

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Friday, Dec 21, 2007
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Shocking

The report about two tigers mauling a visitor, Joyprakash Bezbarua, to death in the Guwahati Zoo and the accompanying photograph (Dec. 20) were chilling. The unfortunate visitor invited danger by putting his hand into the enclosure purportedly for a close-up of the big cats, ignoring the zookeeper’s warnings. The grisly incident serves as an eye-opener for visitors to zoos across the country. There is a tendency on the part of many to disturb and tease the animals in captivity, in utter disregard of the warnings displayed. The Guwahati incident shows that mandatory warnings alone are not effective in warding off tragedies.

N.K. Vijayan,

Kizhakkambalam

* * *

Had the visitor not ignored the zookeeper’s warning, the tragedy could have been averted. I appreciate The Hindu for its decision of not publishing the colour pictures of the incident, minimising the mental trauma of readers. At the same time, I agree that a black and white picture needed to be published. It is necessary to create awareness on safe behaviour in zoos. In this context, I have a suggestion for the authorities. A caution board should be placed near the barrier with the date and details of untoward incidents along with the pictures.

Aruna Rajendran,

Dindigul

* * *

I am glad The Hindu did not use a colour picture to sensationalise the incident. That would have amounted to marketing a man’s tragedy for greater gains and being insensitive to the feelings of his loved ones.

That the newsroom took the trouble of discussing the issue before publishing the picture is impressive. Let me add that the description was matter of fact, devoid of sensation. Keep up the spirit of publishing only facts.

George Kovoor,

Thrissur

* * *

It is unfortunate that the victim did not heed the zookeeper’s warning to return to the area behind the barrier. It is common for visitors in zoos to indulge in teasing the inmates much to their discomfort, little realising the potential danger in store for them.

That The Hindu newsroom had extensive discussions on whether to carry the photograph is an example of salutary journalism. The decision to publish the photograph to help educate the public was correct. One shudders to think of the trauma the family members of the victim must have undergone during the sad moments.

S.V. Venugopalan,

Chennai

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