Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A pair of Asiatic lions was brought to Van Vihar National Park from Sakkarbaugh Zoo of Gujarat on Friday evening under the animal exchange programme. Van Vihar has given a pair of tiger to Sakkarbaugh Zoo. This is for the first time in the state that a pure Asiatic lion pair has been brought.
It was around 4.30 pm on Saturday that the lion pair, including a male and female, reached Van Vihar. A specially designed vehicle was used to bring the pair from the neighbouring state.
The Asiatic lion pair covered around 1,000 km to reach Van Vihar. Both male and female big cats are aged three years. Currently, both of them are in the grip of trauma. Meanwhile, when the pair reached Van Vihar, a wave of happiness spread among the officials. The wildlife doctors of Van Vihar are keeping a close watch on the health of the pair.
“We served meat to the Asiatic lion pair. Along with this, a room heater has been arranged in their enclosure, which has been also covered with curtains. We want the pair to get adjusted to the new environment and they shall have the least interaction with anyone,” an official said.
FP Photo
Once the Asiatic lion pair gets settled to the new environment, then the officials may contemplate releasing them in general enclosure. Van Vihar officials are also hoping that arrival of the lion pair would increase footfall of visitors. In lieu of the pair of the Asiatic lions, the Van Vihar has given a pair of tiger to Sakkarbaugh Zoo.
The name of male tiger is Bandhavgarh two and the tigress is named Bandini. The proposal of the animal exchange programme was approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). Earlier, Madhya Pradesh had made all efforts to receive Asiatic lions for Kuno Sanctuary, but Gujarat had refused to provide lions. The issue hung in balance for over the years. Later, Kuno was selected for the first translocation of Cheetahs.
