Wild Life: Sanjay Gandhi National Park has only three captive lions, is desperate for more
Officials of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) jolted after they learned that the pair of lions, which they had been pursuing with Gujarat’s Sakkarbaug Zoo, was given to Byculla’s Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, which is not yet equipped with lion enclosures.
According to officials with the forest department, SGNP has been desperately trying to get a pair of lion from the Junagadh Zoo and were even ready to exchange rusty spotted cats. But they hadn’t received a positive response so far. SGNP is desperate for the lions because it has only three captive lions including a female, Gopa (7), and two males — Ravindra (15) and Jespa (7).
“Ravindra is now old to mate and Jespa and Gopa are siblings and cannot mate as inbreeding was not allowed and hence the only solution was to get a new pair,” a senior park official said.
However, what seems to have worked for the BMC is the constant follow-up being done at the highest level by mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar as well as municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta.
“Sakkarbaug Zoo is known for not parting with their lions easily. But, BMC top brass even got a special letter of request sent from the Chief Minister’s Office to Gujarat paving way for sanction of a pair of lion without even giving any animal in exchange,” the senior BMC official said adding that the zoo officials have however promised to send an animal in exchange later.
For SGNP, the problem only seems to be rising. While on one hand the 14 hectare lion safari, which is the biggest tourist attraction at SGNP and is undergoing renovations, is likely to be ready soon, the lack of lions will surely leave visitors disappointed.
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