Dholes walk in an enclosure at the Tyavarekoppa Zoo near Shivamogga.
Credit: DH Photo
Shivamogga: People visiting the Tyavarekoppa-based zoo-cum-safari near Shivamogga can now enjoy the sight of rare Indian dholes brought from Mysuru zoo.
Four dholes including two males and two females had been brought from Mysuru recently. Unfortunately, one female dhole died after the shifting.
According to experts, it might have died of stress. Though the veterinary officer gave much-needed treatment to the dhole in the kraal area, it did not respond and breathed her last. However, the remaining three--two males and one female dhole are healthy and doing well.
They have now been exhibited in the new enclosures at Tyavarekoppa.
Tyavarekoppa-based zoo-cum-safari Executive Director Amarakshara M V said of the two female and two male dholes brought from Mysuru, one female was not doing well and was not eating food. The veterinary officer treated her but could not save her.
Lions from Indore Zoo
Informing about getting lions to Tyavarekoppa, Amarakshara said efforts are going on to bring a pair of Asiatic Lions-a female and a male, from Kamala Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya or Indore Zoo in Madhya Pradesh under the animal-exchange programme.
He said Shivamogga Zoo will give Indian Gaurs to Indore Zoo and they have agreed to give one pair of Asiatic Lions to Shivamogga Zoo. The letter correspondence has been done and they are awaiting approval from the Central Zoo Authority of India.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to bring Asiatic lions from Madhya Pradesh here by March as the number of tourists would be more between March and May due to summer vacations,” Amarakshara added.
Combo ticket
Amarakshara said the zoo has introduced combo tickets that include the zoo entry fee and safari charges at a discount price to encourage visitors to go on a safari to see more animals.
“As of now, the zoo entry fee for adults aged above 12 years is Rs 80 and Rs 40 for children between 4 and 12 years. The fee for safari is Rs 200 for adults and Rs 100 for children. Those who take tickets for safari while buying entry ticket for the zoo will get a discount of Rs 30. While the combo ticket (entry fee and safari) for adults will cost Rs 250, it will be Rs 110 for children,” he added.