Elephant calf, hippo, terrapins add zing to Bannerghatta Park

Authorities at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) hope to see  an increase in footfalls in the days to come, with new arrivals.

An elephant calf, a baby hippopotamus and 72 rescued black-spotted terrapins are among the new attractions. Officials expect visitors to adopt the animals and suggest names for the young ones. BBP is home to 94 species, totalling around 1,400 animals and the new inmates will boost the numbers.

The female calf was born in BBP 10 days ago to elephant Suvarna. With this, the number of female elephants at BBP has increased to 12. The total number of hippos has increased to 10, after Cauvery gave birth to an young one on Sunday night. BBP welcomed the terrapins which were rescued from the Kempegowda International Airport on Monday.

BBP director Range Gowda told Deccan Herald that visitors would get to see the new attractions from July 1.

Individuals who suggest the best animal name will get an award. The names of such persons will be displayed on boards near the enclosure area for a year. Those suggesting names for animals are given a citation and can avail income tax exemption.

Adoptions at the BBP were less compared to the Mysuru zoo, another park official pointed out. Only a few individuals show interest in adopting animals at BBP, he said. Companies could adopt large carnivores and mammals like tigers and elephants, the official added.