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The Hindu
7 days ago
- The Hindu
First exports from BBP: Four Asian elephants head to Japan
The Bannerughatta Biological Park (BBP), Bengaluru, is all set to make its first export in its history of animal exchanges. A batch of four Asian elephants - one male and three females - will be sent to Himeji Central Park - Safari Park, Himeji, Japan. Suresh, 8, Gowri, 9, Shruthi, 7, and Tulsi, 5, are being sent after the park got the necessary approvals from the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi and other departments, said the BBP in a release. 'The exchange is a part of a larger multi exchange programme, where in return, the park will receive four cheetahs, four jaguars, four pumas, three chimpanzees and eight black-capped capuchins. The elephants will be transported through a Qatar Airways cargo plane from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru to Kansai International Airport, Osaka on July 24 and 25. The total transportation time will be around approximately 20 hours from Bannerughatta Biological Park to Himeji Central Park - Safari Park,' the release added. The park said that the animals have been are trained for the past six months for this transportation and are cleared for good health to make the journey. The animals will be accompanied by two veterinary doctors from Himeji Central Park and two veterinary officers from Bannerughatta Biological Park, four keepers, one supervisor and one biologist from Bannerughatta Biological Park. A total of eight persons from Bannerughatta Biological Park will visit and stay at the Himeji Central Park for two weeks to train the elephants to acclimatise to the new environment, the release added. 'Further, elephant keepers of Himeji Central Park were also trained in Bannerughatta Biological Park for around 20 days from May 12 to 25, 2025. All the preparations for logistics, feed and veterinary care are in readiness to take up this historic journey. The addition of Asian Elephants to Himeji Central Park - Safari Park is a great opportunity for the people of Japan to visit the park and appreciate the gentle giants for their charisma and intelligence,' the release added. Surya Sen A.V. Deputy Conservator of Forests and Executive Director, Bannerughatta Biological Park, told The Hindu that every country has its own management practices and animal welfare guidelines and the Japanese are well advanced and have a different set of practices wherein animals are trained without physical intervention. This will be the second batch of exchange of elephants to Japan after three elephants were sent to Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park, Japan in May 2021 from Mysuru Zoo.
India.com
15-07-2025
- India.com
Eco-Soul Journeys With Breathtaking, Low-Impact Escapes Near Haldwani
This picturesque town is situated in the foothills of the majestic Great Himalayas. Haldwani is not just a beautiful place but heaven for eco-conscious travelers who are looking for sustainable adventures. Ecotourism options in Haldwani are many due to its lush greenery, serene landscapes and conservation of its natural beauty. It is here that we will be looking at some of the most popular ecotourism destinations of Haldwani, India where you can connect with nature responsibly without leaving or taking away much from it. 1. Corbett National Park Firstly, while being an Eco-friendly tourist, you should visit the famous Corbett National Park. The park is located on more than 500 and offers various floras and faunas such as Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants and over 600 bird species among others. Opt for these kind of eco-friendly jungle safaris accompanied by locals trained to conserve responsibly. 2. Nainital Nainital is another hill station around the emerald Naini Lake with untouched beauty and eco-initiatives which are commendable. Explore this township walking or cycling through narrow crowded streets filled with colorful shops and lovely coffee corners at every corner. Enjoy your stay in eco-friendly resorts amidst nature where you get panoramic views across hills nearby Don't forget going across this quiet lake using ecofriendly rowing boats. 3. Bhimtal Bhimtal lies a short distance away from Haldwani; it's a cool place full of stunning natural scenery and peace. You could take up paddleboats or kayaks within Bhimtal Lake surrounded by sylvan environs consisting of thick forested slopes leading down silvery waterfalls fed by mountain streams Arrange accommodations in environment conscious resorts or homestays that indulge into rainwater harvesting & solar energy use. 4. Pangot Pangot is a hidden paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. This little village near Haldwani is characterized by rich avian life and untouched landscapes. Take guided bird watching hikes through thick oak and rhododendron forests where you can observe rare species found only in the Himalayas like Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant etc. Book into ecofriendly resorts that blend well with the surrounding environment to offer you tranquility amidst the mountains. 5. Mukteshwar Take a break from your normal city activities and get soaked in the serenity of Mukteshwar – a beautiful town nestled at 2285 meters above sea level. Participate in such eco-friendly activities as hiking through lush trails, camping under starlit skies & enjoying organic farm-to-table meals made using locally sourced ingredients. Visit revered Mukteshwar temple surrounded by pristine old-growth forests and experience breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks of great Himalayas. Wrapping up In India, there is a place called Haldwani that attracts nature lovers looking for sustainable tourism; it has numerous sustainable travel spots each giving visitors a chance to responsibly connect with the environment. With Corbett National Park's wild forests and placid lakes of Nainital and Bhimtal, the whole area is imbued with an ecological conscience. The best way to visit Haldwani in a responsible manner is by selecting green hotels, engaging in eco-tourism activities and taking care of its nature.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Britain's zoo OVERHAUL: UK animal parks will be forced to introduce larger habitats for elephants, ban touching in aquariums and ditch tethering birds under new government rules
British zoos and animal parks face an enormous overhaul thanks to new government rules announced today. Under new legislation, the minimum size of elephant enclosures will increase sixfold, there will be a touching ban in aquariums and the practice of tethering birds of prey long-term will be ditched. There will also be curbs on the sourcing of animals from around the world, double-gated entry system requirements for zoos that house dangerous animals, and the 'appropriate availability of firearms' in the event of a life-threatening situation. The 'long-overdue' reforms, announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), are 'the most advanced in the world' and represent a 'significant step up' in legal requirements. But it means several British zoos will be forced to significantly expand their elephant enclosures – including Chester Zoo. The current requirement is for a minimum space of 3,000m² for all adult elephants. But the new rules mean that by 2040, all outdoor enclosures must be at least 20,000m² for five elephants or less – the equivalent of a sixfold increase. This must be boosted further by at least 2,500m² for each additional animal over two years old. Chester Zoo, which is home to three Asian elephants, has a total habitat size of 8,365m². This means their enclosure space will need to more than double over the next 15 years. Blackpool Zoo's outdoor area for their six elephants stands at 8,000m². This means it will have to nearly triple to reach the required size by 2040. Colchester Zoo, meanwhile, has a 4,806m² outdoor paddock for their three female elephants, and a 2,681m² outdoor paddock for their male elephant. Since the requirements also apply to a lone elephant, and the male and females are kept separate, an enormous overhaul would be required for both to reach the new minimum recommendation. West Midlands Safari Park also has four elephants and a total outdoor space believed to be in the region of around 13,000m², meaning they will also have to increase their enclosure size. Both Blair Drummond Safari Park and Longleat Safari Park house one elephant each – but due to their age these elephants will likely no longer be alive by the 2040 deadline. Howletts Wild Animal Park, in Kent, is currently home to the UK's largest herd of elephants with 13 individuals in total. The Aspinall Foundation, the charity who work in partnership with Howletts, are in the process of rewilding the herd to their ancestral homelands in Kenya – which they aim to do well before the 2040 deadline. Meanwhile Woburn Safari Park, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in Bristol and Whipsnade Zoo already house their elephants in enclosures that would meet the new rules. The updated measures, which form part of the new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain, will also see the practice of tethering birds of prey as a method of long-term accommodation phased out, with a shift to large aviary enclosures. Meanwhile aquariums will no longer be allowed to let visitors touch fish and cephalopods – including creatures such as the ray and the octopus. These are highly intelligent animals and handling causes them stress. Other measures include a curb on the sourcing of animals from around the world, and greater protections for the public such as double-gated entry systems and the appropriate availability of firearms in zoos which house dangerous animals. Announcing the measures at Chester Zoo yesterday (Fri), animal welfare minister Baroness Hayman said: 'We are a nation of animal lovers, and our best zoos and aquariums are truly world leaders in setting the standard for how wild animals should be kept. 'Today's long-overdue reforms lay the foundation for an even stronger, even more compassionate future for all zoos and aquariums —and the animals they protect. 'This is the first step as part of our commitment to deliver the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation.' Dr Jo Judge, CEO of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) which represents over 130 zoos and aquariums said: 'The new standards are a significant step up in legal requirements and cement Britain's position as a global leader for zoos and aquariums. 'BIAZA members already lead the way in animal care and conservation and we have been working closely with Defra officials to realise these updated standards. 'We are delighted to see them published today, demonstrating government's and the sector's commitment to the highest levels of animal care, and helping empower zoos and aquariums to keep leading the fight for nature.' However, campaigners argue there should be no elephants in British zoos at all. Born Free's Captivity Research and Policy Manager, Chris Lewis said: 'While an increase in overall enclosure space for elephants is welcomed, we are disappointed to see that elephants will continue to be legally kept in British zoos despite the inherent welfare challenges they face. 'It is impossible to meet the welfare needs of an elephant in a zoo environment as evidenced by an ever-growing mountain of scientific evidence. 'Additionally, zoos have been given 15 years to get up to standard. Despite the increase in size requirements, it does not change the harsh, unsuitable climatic conditions in Britain, nor does it address the reality that it is impossible to recreate natural elephant societies in a zoo environment. 'It is indeed ironic that the launch of the standards has been held at a zoo which does not currently meet the new enclosure requirements for elephants, with it being less than half as big as what is required, and whose record of keeping elephants is highly questionable. 'Since 2009, 12 elephants have sadly died at Chester Zoo, eight of whom were under the age of five. 'These complex, highly intelligent animals deserve better. We must use these standards as a starting point to phase elephants out of zoos, starting with those that cannot meet these new enclosure requirements.' Chester Zoo said they have already drawn up proposals for an expanded elephant habitat. CEO Jamie Christon said: 'These plans are designed not only to meet the new standards but to far exceed them – just as we've always strived to do. 'We're excited to begin putting these plans into action, now we have the certainty of the newly-published standards. 'Elephants are one of the world's most iconic and charismatic animals, but sadly they remain one of the most threatened mammal species on the planet. 'Wild populations continue to face relentless pressures from habitat loss, human conflict, poaching and disease. It's therefore essential that conservation zoos like ours continue to play a leading role in safeguarding their future.' ELEPHANTS ARE HIGHLY INTELLIGENT AND VERY SOCIAL WITH 'SOME HUMAN-LIKE PERSONALITY TRAITS' Research has established that elephants' emotional characteristics are similar to those of humans. It turns out the animals have distinct personalities. They can be aggressive, attentive and outgoing. For the study scientists asked elephant riders, or mahouts, to answer questions about the behaviors of the animals they worked with each day. Dr Martin Steltmann, who worked on the new report, explained how his team defined the traits that categorize elephants. He said: 'Attentiveness is related to how an elephant acts in and perceives its environment. 'Sociability describes how an elephant seeks closeness to other elephants and humans and how popular they are as social partners. 'Aggressiveness shows how aggressively an elephant acts towards other elephants and how much it interferes in their social interaction.'
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Los Angeles Zoo elephants Billy and Tina have been relocated to Tulsa Zoo after controversy over their move
The last two Asian elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo, Billy and Tina, have officially been relocated to the Tulsa Zoo. Their move comes after years of scrutiny of the LA Zoo for the elephant exhibit. Animal advocates have alleged that Billy and Tina's enclosure was too small, the animals were suffering and their health was declining. The LA Zoo has denied all allegations, saying the pair were getting excellent care. "Billy and Tina, the Los Angeles Zoo Asian elephants, have arrived safely at the Tulsa Zoo. Although they will be missed, we are grateful for the outpouring of support from our members, volunteers, staff, and the more than 1.5 million guests who visit the Los Angeles Zoo annually," the LA Zoo said in a statement. For years, advocates have been fighting for these two to be sent to a sanctuary, but the city and the zoo went a different route. Last month, the LA Zoo announced that Billy and Tina would be moving to an Elephant Experience and Preserve in Tulsa. Billy and Tina, 40 and 59, have called Los Angeles home for decades. But on Tuesday, zoo-goers noticed their enclosure was empty, sparking concern they had been relocated to Tulsa. SkyCal also flew over the enclosure and no animals could be seen. The announcement to move the elephants to Tulsa prompted opposition, including a lawsuit, protests, and even celebrity involvement. Cher, Diane Warren, and Justin Theroux all signed a letter to Mayor Karen Bass, urging her to let the elephants retire in peace at a sanctuary, not another zoo. Just last week, a judge declined to issue a temporary block on the move. The LA Zoo said it evaluated all other options for Billy and Tina, including AZA-accredited sanctuaries. The zoo said members of the staff traveled with the elephant to Tulsa and will assist in their transition to their new home. Currently, the facility at the Tulsa Zoo is home to five Asian elephants. It covers 17 acres of land, including a wooded elephant preserve and a 36,000+ square-foot elephant barn. "Billy and Tina will spend the next several weeks building bonds with their new care team and meeting our herd after the standard quarantine period," a statement from the Tulsa Zoo said. Jewel, a 61-year-old female, died in 2023 and Shaunzi, a 53-year-old female, died the following year. Both deaths were met by protests outside of the zoo from animal rights activists calling for the remaining elephants' release due to "unnatural and neglectful conditions and confinement," demonstrators said at the time. CBS News Los Angeles has reached out to the mayor's office, but has not received a response.
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- India Gazette
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve becomes India's 3rd most visited park
Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 19 (ANI): Assam's Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve has emerged as the third most visited national park in India, recording an all-time high in tourist footfall this year. The park witnessed a significant rise in foreign tourists, with a 25 per cent increase compared to the previous year. According to the authority of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, the national park recorded 4,43,636 visitors between October 1, 2024, and May 18, 2025, indicating an overall increase of over 35 per cent since last year. The number of foreigners (18,463) was especially notable, hinting at the World Heritage site's position as a top-choice destination for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. Spread over 1300 sq kms, in 4 districts of Assam, Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. The national park boasts several wetlands and comprises two Important Bird Areas (IBAs) recognised for their importance to waterbirds-Kaziranga National Park and Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries. Home to a remarkable population of the 'Big Five,' it comprises 2,613 Greater one-horned Rhinoceroses, as of the 2022 census; 104 Bengal Tigers in 2022; over 1,228 Asian Elephants projected for 2024; 2,565 Wild Water Buffalos in 2022; and 1,129 Eastern Swamp Deer also recorded in 2022. Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, told ANI that this year, Kaziranga witnessed over 4.43 lakh visitors. 'We have come to the end of the tourism season in Kaziranga for this year, which started from 1st October 2024 and ended on 18 May 2025. We have received more than 4.43 lakh visitors in the park, out of which over 18,000 are foreigners... an increase of 35 per cent from last year. We also saw an increase of 25 per cent in foreign tourists this season. Kaziranga has now become the 3rd most visited national park in the country. Also, this season, the revenue amounted to over Rs 11 crore,' Dr Ghosh said. According to official data, in 2014-15, 1,32,930 tourists, including 7,994 foreign tourists, visited Kaziranga National Park. In 2023-24, 3,28,305 tourists, including 14,817 foreign tourists, visited the national park. This year (2024-25), saw a footfall of 4,25,173 Indian and 18,463 foreign tourists. Kaziranga has diversified its offerings with new attractions such as bird watching, trekking, boat tourism, dolphin viewing, cycling tracks, and safaris in adjacent reserves. Visits by prominent figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and over 60 Heads of Mission, along with the External Affairs Minister, during Advantage Assam 2.0 in February 2025 boosted Kaziranga's visibility. The surge in tourism has stimulated the local economy, creating jobs and supporting businesses in hospitality, transport, and handicrafts. One major breakthrough was the establishment of unique Eco-shops, operated by the Kaziranga Staff Welfare Society, which helped provide a ready market for eco-friendly products. Efforts from the park's authority have led to the promotion of off-beat tourism activities in the buffer areas. Be it cycling at Laokhowa amidst the flowering of silk-cotton trees, the boat safari across the Brahmaputra, or promoting specialised birding trails, the overall aim has been to focus on wellness and outdoor tourism. (ANI)
