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Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
2 smooth-coated otters to join Delhi zoo ranks
The Delhi zoo is expected to welcome by next month two smooth-coated otters, a species last seen there in 2004. The otters are is set to arrive from Gujarat under an animal exchange programme, officials aware of the matter said. The animal exchange will see the number of species at the zoo increasing to 96. (FILE) A team will go to Surat to bring the animals to Delhi. In exchange, four Sangai deer will be sent to the Surat Zoo, the officials said. 'Next month, a team will be sent to bring these otters to Delhi. We last saw such otters at our zoo in 2004,' said Delhi zoo director Sanjeet Kumar. 'We presently have over 80 Sangai deer, which is the highest population of these deer at any zoo in Delhi. Thus, we are parting ways with some of them,' said Kumar. As the name suggests, smooth-coated otters have a smooth and sleek pelage. Their eyes and ears are fairly small, and have a flattened tail. The fore and hind paws are large and well-webbed. These otters have generally been described as fish specialists and are strong swimmers, often hunting in groups. They are found abundantly in south and southwest Asia. In India, they can be found anywhere from the Himalayas and to southern parts of the country. Smooth-coated otters are classified as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. The exchange has been in the works since March — a team of zoo experts, including a keeper, was sent to Surat to learn about adequate housing and maintenance of otters. According to officials, the exchange was delayed to ensure proper conditions for the transfer of the animals. 'For the exchange, proper arrangements are needed on both ends so there is minimal inconvenience for the animal,' a zoo official said. The exchange will see the number of species at the zoo increasing to 96. 'In 2004, the last otter died and since then, we have not had success in procuring one,' Kumar added. The zoo is also set to undergo an extensive overhaul, with an upgradation plan in the works, which will include a multi-utility plaza at the entrance, a new parking area, enclosures surrounded by glass walls and underwater aquariums. The work will be executed in three phases. While the first two phases will be executed simultaneously and are already in works, the third phase will be executed only after the first two are successful, and includes plans for a possible night safari at the zoo, according to officials. The Delhi zoo was established in November 1959 and is managed by the Union Environment Ministry.
The Print
11 hours ago
- General
- The Print
Delhi Zoo to welcome otters after two decades, Sangai deer to be sent to Surat as part of exchange
Now, a pair of smooth-coated otters from Gujarat is expected to arrive at the Delhi zoo by next month, marking a significant addition to its animal population. The transfer is part of an animal exchange programme with Surat Zoo, which will receive two pairs of Sangai deer from Delhi in return. The last otter at the zoo died in 2004 and since then efforts to procure the species had remained unsuccessful. New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Otters are set to make a comeback at the National Zoological Park in Delhi after more than 20 years, officials said. 'A team from Delhi will travel to Surat next month to bring the otters here,' zoo director Sanjeet Kumar confirmed. 'We currently have more than 80 Sangai deer, the highest number in any zoo in the country, so we are in a position to send a few to Surat,' he said. The exchange had originally been scheduled for March, and a delegation from Delhi, including a zookeeper, had visited Surat to inspect the otters and study their habitat and care. However, high temperatures and unsuitable travel conditions led to a delay. 'It's essential that conditions are safe and comfortable for the animals on both sides before any transfer is made,' a senior zoo official said. The arrival of the otters will push the zoo's species count to 96, further enriching the biodiversity on display. 'In 2004, we lost our last otter. Since then, we haven't had one here and this exchange is a big step for us,' Kumar said. Meanwhile, the Delhi zoo is gearing up for a major infrastructure overhaul, with a comprehensive redevelopment plan currently underway. As part of this upgradation, authorities are working on developing a multi-utility plaza at the entrance, a new parking zone, glass-walled enclosures, and underwater aquariums to enhance the visitor experience. Established in November 1959, the Delhi Zoo is operated by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and remains one of the most-visited zoological parks in India. PTI NSM NSM OZ OZ This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
NDTV
14 hours ago
- General
- NDTV
Otters To Return To Delhi Zoo After Two Decades
New Delhi: Otters are set to make a comeback at the National Zoological Park in Delhi after more than 20 years, officials said. The last otter at the zoo died in 2004 and since then efforts to procure the species had remained unsuccessful. Now, a pair of smooth-coated otters from Gujarat is expected to arrive at the Delhi zoo by next month, marking a significant addition to its animal population. The transfer is part of an animal exchange programme with Surat Zoo, which will receive two pairs of Sangai deer from Delhi in return. "A team from Delhi will travel to Surat next month to bring the otters here," zoo director Sanjeet Kumar confirmed. "We currently have more than 80 Sangai deer, the highest number in any zoo in the country, so we are in a position to send a few to Surat," he said. The exchange had originally been scheduled for March, and a delegation from Delhi, including a zookeeper, had visited Surat to inspect the otters and study their habitat and care. However, high temperatures and unsuitable travel conditions led to a delay. "It's essential that conditions are safe and comfortable for the animals on both sides before any transfer is made," a senior zoo official said. The arrival of the otters will push the zoo's species count to 96, further enriching the biodiversity on display. "In 2004, we lost our last otter. Since then, we haven't had one here and this exchange is a big step for us," Kumar said. Meanwhile, the Delhi zoo is gearing up for a major infrastructure overhaul, with a comprehensive redevelopment plan currently underway. As part of this upgradation, authorities are working on developing a multi-utility plaza at the entrance, a new parking zone, glass-walled enclosures, and underwater aquariums to enhance the visitor experience. Established in November 1959, the Delhi Zoo is operated by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and remains one of the most-visited zoological parks in India.
India.com
22-07-2025
- India.com
You Won't Believe THESE 7 Beautiful Lakes In India Are Real; They Look Like An Art
photoDetails english 2935041 Updated:Jul 22, 2025, 09:43 AM IST 1 / 9 From shimmering turquoise waters to mirror-like reflections of snow-capped peaks, India's lakes are nothing short of breathtaking. Beyond just natural water bodies, some lakes appear so flawless and serene that they resemble masterpieces painted by a skilled artist. Whether created by nature or man, these lakes offer an aesthetic charm that captivates every traveller. Pangong Tso, Ladakh – A Symphony of Blue Hues 2 / 9 This high-altitude lake in Ladakh is world-famous for its changing shades of blue. Stretching across India and China, Pangong Tso sits amidst stark brown mountains, and its crystal-clear waters appear as if painted with different brushstrokes of indigo, teal, and cobalt throughout the day. Its stillness and surreal beauty make it a natural canvas worth witnessing. Chilika Lake, Odisha – A Wetland Wonderland 3 / 9 Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake, is a haven for migratory birds and marine life. With scattered islands, floating vegetation, and pink flamingos gracing its shores, it seems like a landscape straight from an artist's sketchpad. The golden hues at sunrise and sunset add even more charm to this biodiverse marvel. Dal Lake, Kashmir – The Mirror of Heaven 4 / 9 Often dubbed the "Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir," Dal Lake offers a visual treat of snow-covered peaks reflected perfectly in its calm waters. The sight of shikaras (traditional wooden boats), floating gardens, and ornate houseboats creates an image that looks too beautiful to be real — like a Mughal miniature painting brought to life. Loktak Lake, Manipur – Nature's Mosaic 5 / 9 What sets Loktak Lake apart are its phumdis — floating islands made of vegetation and soil. From above, these circular patches look like giant lily pads scattered across a blue canvas. This artistic layout is not only stunning but also supports a unique ecosystem, including the endangered Sangai deer. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim – A Frozen Painting 6 / 9 Perched at an altitude of over 17,000 feet, Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and often partially frozen, its glassy surface reflects the heavens above. The play of light on ice and water makes it look like a still from a fantasy film or a hyper-realistic painting. Umiam Lake, Meghalaya – The Meghalaya Masterpiece 7 / 9 Formed by a dam, Umiam Lake near Shillong surprises visitors with its sweeping views and emerald green water bordered by pine trees. Mist, clouds, and calm waters combine to create a peaceful, dreamlike scene — as if someone carefully composed it using oil paints on a wide canvas. Tso Moriri, Ladakh – A Lesser-Known Gem 8 / 9 Often overshadowed by Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri is another Ladakhi lake that looks artistically surreal. Nestled in the Rupshu Valley, this lake offers varying shades of blue and green that contrast vividly against the barren mountains. The rare sight of Himalayan wildlife nearby adds more texture to this already picture-perfect scene. 9 / 9 These seven lakes go beyond being just tourist spots — they evoke emotion, awe, and appreciation for nature's artistry. Each lake, with its unique form and colors, seems to have been created with aesthetic precision, reminding us that sometimes, the most beautiful designs are those not made by human hands but by the Earth itself.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Indian Express
In conflict-scorched Manipur, Shirui Lily festival kicks off: All you need to know about the festival and the flower
The Shirui Lily festival returns to Manipur on Tuesday (May 20) after a two-year pause because of the long-drawn conflict in the state. This will be the first major tourism festival to be hosted by the state since the start of the conflict in May 2023, making safety concerns and elaborate security arrangements an integral part of the preparations this year. What is the festival, what makes the Shirui Lily special, and what are the threats both the festival and the flower are facing? The Shirui Lily Festival is organised by the Manipur government's Department of Tourism. First held in 2017, it is one of two major tourism festivals organised by the state government. While it is named after the Shirui Lily, or the Lilium mackliniae, recognised as the state flower of Manipur, the other major festival is named after the Sangai, or the Manipur brow-antlered deer, recognised as its state animal. The Shirui Lily festival coincides with the blooming season of this rare flower. Held in Manipur's Ukhrul district, which is home to the Tangkhul Naga community, the event is designed as an eco-tourism festival to raise awareness about the Shirui Lily and to promote tourism to the hills of Ukhrul. The festival includes cultural performances, music concerts, a beauty pageant, a trash collection marathon, and a cooking competition. This year, it will be held from May 20 to May 25. What is special about the Shirui Lily? The Shirui Lily is endemic to the upper reaches of the Shirui Hill range in Ukhrul district at an elevation of 2,673 m above sea level. While locals had long been familiar with the plant — calling it the 'Kashsong Timrawon' after Timrawon, the daughter of mythical goddess Philava who resides and protects the hills of Shirui — in 1946, botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward identified it and gave it its scientific name. The name, Lilium mackliniae, draws from his wife Jean Macklin's name. Over the years, this already endangered species has faced further threats to its habitat. A 2015 paper led by scientists from the ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Manipur Centre, lists changing climatic conditions, human encroachment and exploitation of natural resources as factors that have 'driven the lily population to the verge of extinction.' They also observed that its habitat had been invaded by the dense root system of a wild dwarf bamboo species.' The team, led by Dr Manas Sahoo, had in 2015 transplanted 375 in vitro-generated plantlets of the Shirui Lily at Shirui hill peak as part of an effort at lab-to-land genetic micropropagation and genetic conservation of the plant. Dr Sahoo later said the plantlets had grown and bloomed and the protocol was found to be valid. What are the conditions under which the festival is being held this year? The festival is being held just a couple of weeks after the conflict in the state crossed the two-year mark. It is also being held three months into President's Rule in the state, and the organising coordinating meetings have been led by Governor Ajay Bhalla. While the state has not seen active violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since a massive cycle of violence in November last year, and the festival is being held in 'neutral' Naga territory, there are still concerns surrounding it. Travelling from the state capital of Imphal in the Meitei-majority valley – where the bulk of festival goers have been from in past years – to the festival site requires passing through three Kuki-Zo settlements. Given that neither warring community has been able to safely move in areas dominated by the other since the start of the conflict, this will be the first such major movement of people from the valley to hill areas of the state in two years. There have been stray instances of threats against Meiteis travelling through these parts, but the Manipur police have repeatedly assured the public that they will ensure safe transit, with significant security deployment.
