New homes unveiled for zoo starlets

Even as visitors continue to swarm Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, or Mysore Zoo as it is popularly known, to get a glimpse of the anaconda, zoo authorities have a gone step further by building a separate enclosure for the reptiles at a cost of Rs nine lakh.

Unveiling the new home for the four anacondas procured from Sri Lanka, additional principal chief conservator of forest and Zoo Authority of Karnataka member secretary M N Jayakumar said the new building constructed for the anacondas is next to the snake enclosure built on an area of 40x20 feet. The building has been divided into two parts with four glass viewing panels. A pond to hold two feet of water to create a swampy condition for the reptiles has also been provided.

Indian grey wolves

A pair of Indian grey wolves, had been brought from Gadag Zoo and had delivered seven pups. But, three pups had died in 2011. The zoo now has 11 wolves comprising five pups born during the second litter, four male sub-adults, one adult male and female wolf. The five pups are aged 45 days and have started moving out of the den. The 11 wolves are now released for public display.

A new enclosure has been constructed to house 23 lories in the zoo. There are four varieties of lories such as Red Lory (eight), Dusky Lorikeet (four), Rainbow Lorikeet (seven) and Australian Lorikeet (two). The lories were released into a new enclosure with built-up area of 40 ft x40 ft and height of 15 feet.

The enclosure has separate space for breeding. Double door entry has been provided to prevent accidental escape of birds from the enclosure. Feeding platform water troughs have also been provided.

Scarlet Ibis

Mysore zoo had received eight Scarlet Ibis’ and three Black-necked Swan from Zoo Zlin, Czech Republic in December last year. They were housed in a temporary enclosure to acquaint them with the local conditions.

They were released here on Monday into a new enclosure built on a area of 40 ft x40 ft. Nesting platform are also provided for breeding.

Zoo Authority of Karnataka chairman Nanjundaswamy and Mysore zoo executive director B P Ravi were present.