Latest news with #KingCobra
Time of India
6 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.
Hans India
7 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Hyderabad Zoo marks World Snake Day with engaging awareness programme
Hyderabad: The Nehru Zoological Park Hyderabad celebrated World Snake Day on Wednesday with an insightful and interactive awareness programme held at the Reptile House Amphitheatre. The event successfully attracted over 700 students from various schools and 600 general visitors, focusing on the crucial role snakes play in ecosystems and aiming to debunk prevalent myths surrounding these reptiles. A highlight of the programme was a live snake demonstration led by Education Officer M Deepak Tarun. He provided comprehensive explanations on the habitat, behaviour, and identification of diverse snake species, including both venomous and non-venomous varieties. Crucially, the session also covered precautionary measures against snake bites and practical snake identification techniques. The Nehru Zoological Park is home to approximately 20 species of snakes, featuring both venomous and non-venomous types such as the King Cobra, Spectacled Cobra, Bamboo Pit Viper, Russell's Viper, Krait, Indian Rock Python, Rat Snake, and Sand Boa. The park also houses other reptiles like the Green Iguana, Chameleon, Flap Shell Turtle, Star Tortoise, Bengal Monitor Lizard, and Water Monitor Lizard. Dr Sunil S Hiremath, Director Zoo Parks Telangana, proudly stated that the Nehru Zoological Park Hyderabad was the first zoo in the country to introduce a glass barrier enclosure for its reptile house, significantly enhancing the visitor experience. He commended the proactive zoo staff, including the ZEO and PRO, for their consistent efforts in conducting awareness shows on eco-days, acknowledging them as the 'face of the zoo on several occasions.' Visitors and school teachers alike expressed their strong appreciation for the diligent efforts of the Zoo Management, particularly the Director, Curator, PRO, and ZEO, in providing updated information on various aspects of wildlife and conservation to both visitors and students. M Barnoba, Deputy Curator, H M Hanifulla, Public Relations Officer, Ravi Prabakar, Senior Animal Keeper, Chenakeshavulu, Assistant Animal Keeper, and other officers were also in attendance.
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
World Snake Day 2025 workshop focuses on snake identification and rescue at Assam Forest School
GUWAHATI: The Assam Forest School Jalukbari, alongside the Wildlife Areas Development and Welfare Trust, conducted a day-long workshop focusing on Snake Identification and Rescue on Wednesday. The programme gathered Assam Forest Department's frontline personnel to enhance their knowledge and capabilities in managing increasing snake-human encounters throughout the state. Jayashree Naiding, Senior Wildlife Warden, Assam, opened the workshop. She addressed the increasing snake-related emergency calls, stemming from public fear and lack of knowledge. She stressed the frontline responsibility of forest personnel in correctly identifying snake species, distinguishing between venomous and non-venomous varieties, and responding effectively without causing harm. She also highlighted the challenges posed by exotic snakes being reported in the wild and advised on cautious, informed handling of such incidents. Referring to species like the Sand Boa, she urged participants not to sensationalise rescues of non-venomous snakes simply for publicity. Distinguished herpetologist Dr. Jayaditya Purukayastha discussed prevalent snake-related myths. "The mindset problem is one of the biggest challenges in snake conservation," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "Snakes are now among the most commonly rescued animals in some regions. Increased awareness has led to more reporting, but also demands better training and public education." He noted the increasing King Cobra encounters in Assam, warning about the potentially fatal consequences of incorrect snake identification. Assam hosts approximately 70 snake species, including 15-plus venomous varieties such as the Indian cobra, monocled cobra, banded krait, and green pit vipers. These creatures are vital to the region's ecosystem, controlling pest populations and maintaining natural balance. Snake venom, despite its dangers, offers significant medical benefits. It's essential for antivenom production and aids research into treatments for various conditions, including cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and strokes. The speakers said that unfortunately, widespread misconceptions about snakes, including beliefs about revenge-seeking behaviour and milk consumption, result in unnecessary killings and hinder conservation efforts. Technical sessions were led by Prasanna Kalita, President, Bonyabandhu, and his team, who conducted both theoretical and practical training. His sessions included identification of native snake species, first aid for snakebite victims, and ethical rescue demonstrations using props to simulate real-life situations. Dr. Vinay Gupta, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam, attended the closing ceremony. He stated, "With rising human-snake encounters, frontline staff must be equipped with the right skills and tools. These workshops are not just necessary—they are crucial." He distributed specialised snake rescue equipment to six forest divisions. The Forest School Director, Dimpi Bora, emphasised the significance of continuous training programmes in addressing evolving conservation challenges.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Training for forest school staff to handle snake-human encounters
Guwahati: Assam Forest School, Jalukbari, in collaboration with the Wildlife Areas Development and Welfare Trust, conducted a daylong workshop on 'Snake Identification and Rescue' on Wednesday. The workshop aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Assam forest department's frontline personnel in managing rising human-snake encounters across the state. Senior wildlife warden Jayashree Naiding inaugurated the session, addressing the surge in emergency snake-related calls — often triggered by public fear and misinformation. She stressed the role of forest personnel in accurately identifying species, especially distinguishing venomous from non-venomous snakes, and emphasised responsible, harm-free rescue practices. Cautioning against sensationalism in rescues, she cited species like the Sand Boa, urging restraint when handling non-venomous snakes. Renowned herpetologist Jayaditya Purukayastha discussed widespread snake-related myths, and said, "The mindset problem is one of the biggest challenges in snake conservation." "Snakes are now among the most commonly rescued animals in some regions. Increased awareness has led to more reporting, but also demands better training and public education," he added. He noted the increasing King Cobra encounters in Assam, warning about the potentially fatal consequences of incorrect snake identification.
News18
10-07-2025
- General
- News18
Video Of Man Holding King Cobra With Bare Hands Will Send Chills Down Your Spine
Last Updated: The video, shared by IFS Officer Praveen Kaswan, shows the man's fearless composure who calmly grips the massive King Cobra. What is the first thing you would do if you get to see a live King Cobra in front of you? That's exactly what Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer Praveen Kaswan has wondered. The Forest Officer, who keeps stunning us with extraordinary videos from the animal kingdom, has done it again. In the latest, Kaswan shared a clip of a man holding a King Cobra with his bare hands. King Cobra is considered the world's longest venomous snake and among the heaviest. The 11-second footage, shared by Kaswan, beautifully depicts the man's fearless composure. He calmly grips the massive reptile whose enormous size has left viewers jaw-dropped. 'If you ever wondered about the real size of King cobra. Do you know where it is found in India? And what to do when you see one!!" Praveen Kaswan wrote in the caption of the video. If you ever wondered about the real size of King cobra. Do you know where it is found in India. And what to do when you see one !! — Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) July 8, 2025 No wonder social media users were thrilled to watch such a clip. While the exact location of the video could not be ascertained, King Cobras are by and large found in the forests of the Western Ghats, the Northeast, and parts of Odisha. 'Q: what do you do when you see one? A: Run, run, run as far away as possible," a person wrote in the comments. 'Mostly western and eastern ghats," another user said. 'Those who get this darshan and are aware about escape velocity," an individual hilariously added. A user suggested, 'I have seen one in Western Ghats. The best thing to do is be slow and put distance between you and Cobra." In the comment section, a person named Praveen Singh dropped another King Cobra video and said that it was clicked by him in Himachal Pradesh. The video, which was taken from a distance and posted in 2021, showed the reptile crawling up a cliff. top videos View all @ParveenKaswan Ji, which Snake 'My click for a 15 feet King Kobra in Himachal Pradesh… had scored headlines in digital & print media across India," he stated. view comments First Published: July 10, 2025, 09:11 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
