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Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo undergoes Rs 2.6cr upgrade
Belagavi: In a major boost to ecotourism, development works estimated at Rs 2.6 crore are underway at Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Bhutramanhatti, on the outskirts of Belagavi city. The zoo, spread across 34.4 hectares, is being upgraded to meet the criteria of a Medium Zoo, with plans to expand an additional 20 hectares to accommodate more enclosures. Four major projects are almost complete and are expected to be inaugurated for public access by December this year. The key works consist of a state-of-the-art reptile park, a new crocodile enclosure, and a gigantic, illuminated entry tower featuring a statue of freedom fighter Kittur Rani Chennamma. Reptile park to feature exotic species One of the most anticipated additions is the upcoming reptile park, which will house 12 exotic snake species in male-female pairs. The line-up includes the King Cobra, Rattlesnake, Rock Python, Reticulated Python, Green Anaconda, Lake Snake and Monitor Lizard. The King Cobra and large pythons are expected to be star attractions. Crocodile enclosure A new 1,200-square-metre crocodile enclosure is also under construction. While a Mugger crocodile already resides at the zoo, two Gharials will soon join the enclosure. Meanwhile, a vibrant bird zone has been established, featuring species such as lovebirds, cockatiels, sun conures, zebra finches and rose-ringed parakeets. An exclusive section showcasing distinct sheep breeds from across India is also being developed. Additionally, the construction of a museum and an auditorium is in progress to enhance visitor engagement and learning. A 65-foot-tall iconic signage structure has been installed at the zoo's entrance. Adorned with illuminated logos and topped with a statue of Rani Chennamma, the tower is designed to be visible from over a kilometre away, improving visibility and attracting travellers on the highway. Towards Medium Zoo status According to range forest officer Pavan Kuraning, a proposal will be sent to the Central Zoo Authority of India by the end of this month, seeking approval for upgradation. "We plan to expand the zoo by another 20 hectares to increase animal enclosures," he told the TOI. The zoo currently operates a safari and houses 216 animals and birds, including three tigers, two lions, three leopards, bears, blackbucks, sambar deer, hyenas and jackals.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Hyderabad: Nehru Zoological Park (NZP) to launch night safari featuring nocturnal species; increase workforce by at least 30%
By Siddanth Nair HYDERABAD: The Nehru Zoological Park (NZP), which already hosts five animal safaris, is gearing up to launch night safari. This move follows an April 4 directive from the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI), which lifted the earlier ban on night safaris in zoos. "The plan is still in its preliminary stages. Organising a night safari is a big project that will take time and effort," NZP director Sunil S Hiremath told TOI. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The safari, expected to be operational within a year, will feature only nocturnal species such as owls, reptiles, wild cats, canids, civets, bats, and flightless birds, in line with the directive. While NZP already has the infrastructure to support the initiative, manpower remains a concern. "I anticipate we will need to increase our workforce by at least 30%," Hiremath said. The night safari is likely to run between 6pm and 11pm daily, except Mondays. Entry fares will be higher than the standard Rs 100 ticket. However, zoo-goers who visit during the day will have the option of re-entry for the night safari.
India Gazette
19-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Gujarat: Junagadh's Sakkarbaug Zoo leads nation in Indian Grey Wolf conservation success
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 19 (ANI): India's dedication to wildlife preservation ensures that future generations can enjoy and benefit from the country's rich natural heritage. Among the many species requiring urgent attention is the Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), an endangered carnivore facing threats from habitat loss and human conflict, said a statement from the CMO. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the proactive guidance of Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has made remarkable progress in conserving this vital species. At the forefront of these efforts is the historic Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh, designated by the Central Zoo Authority of India as the coordinating zoo for the Indian Grey Wolf Conservation Breeding Program (CBP). Through scientific management, state-of-the-art facilities, and focused breeding initiatives, Sakkarbaug Zoo has become a beacon of hope for the protection and revival of the Indian Grey Wolf, securing its place in India's natural legacy. This program for wolves is one such initiative reflecting this commitment. Through focused efforts in nutrition, healthcare, behavioral enrichment, and breeding management, the program has shown remarkable success. The year-wise birth data of wolf pups is as follows: 14 pups were born in 2019-20, 7 in 2020-21, 31 in 2021-22, 33 in 2022-23, 40 in 2023-24, and 48 in 2024-25. This indicates a steady improvement in breeding success over the years, showcasing the effectiveness of comprehensive care and conservation strategies implemented at the facility. All wolves in CBP are provided a quality diet based on their natural requirements. Additional supplements are added to their diet if required. Food items and drinking water are periodically screened at a food testing laboratory to ensure safety and quality. Regular health checks of all wolves are conducted through the collection of various samples for early disease detection and to assess the health status of each wolf. Timely medical interventions are provided whenever necessary. Each animal enclosure is equipped with a separate night shelter and kraal to protect wolves during extreme climatic conditions. A specific hygiene schedule for wolves is prepared and strictly followed. Vaccination of all wolves against prevalent diseases is carried out regularly. Deworming is done at three-month intervals. Post-vaccination, antibody protection levels are monitored by collecting relevant samples. Pairing of breeding animals is done using genetically diverse individuals. Newly paired animals are closely monitored. Compatibility is regularly assessed, and changes are made as needed. Behavioral enrichment of wolves is carried out using various methods such as nutritional, olfactory, and habitat enrichments to encourage the expression of natural behaviour in captivity. All wolves are monitored round-the-clock through CCTV cameras to observe behaviours such as mating, pregnancy, pup care, and feeding, especially those not visible in the presence of humans. After successful mating, males are separated from females to provide privacy and promote denning behaviour. Periodic hormonal monitoring of pregnant females is done by collecting samples. Medical interventions are provided as required. Additional feed supplements and focused care are ensured during pregnancy for maintaining a healthy condition. Near-natural dens and soft raw materials are provided to support den-making behaviour. For growth and health monitoring of pups, regular weighing and health assessments are conducted. Medical intervention is done as needed. As Gujarat continues to lead in wildlife conservation, the success story of the Indian Grey Wolf serves as an inspiring model for preserving biodiversity and restoring ecological balance in India's diverse landscapes. (ANI)
