Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A team of selected forest officials has travelled to Pilikula Biological Park in Karnataka to receive specialised training in handling King Cobras. This initiative comes as Van Vihar prepares to welcome two male King Cobras under an animal exchange programme.
The snakes are expected to arrive in the first week of April. Officials from Van Vihar said that the Central Zoo Authority has already granted permission for the exchange. In return for the King Cobras, Van Vihar will send a pair of tigers to Pilikula Biological Park.
This marks the first time that King Cobras will be introduced in Madhya Pradesh, fulfilling Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s vision of bringing the species to state.
During the last meeting of the State Wildlife Board, Chief Minister had emphasized the need to explore possibilities for acquiring King Cobras.
Assistant Director of Van ViharSandesh Maheshwari said that a team of three employees has been sent to Karnataka for training, as Van Vihar currently lacks experienced King Cobra handlers.
Sources said that a separate enclosure has already been built for the new arrivals. King Cobras typically reach a length of 12 feet, though they can grow even larger. Once all formalities are completed, the two King Cobras will be transported to Van Vihar via road in early April.
