Catch a glimpse of zebras from Israel at BBP soon

The visitors to the Bannerghatta Biological Park will have a new attraction next month. Four zebras brought from Israel will be put on display in the first week of June.

The four zebras - two male and two female - were brought from the Zoological Centre, Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan (Safari), Isr­a­el, on November 24, 2015.  The animals brought from foreign countries have to be quarantined for six months mandatorily before displaying them in the zoos. The four zebras have been housed in the quarantine section in herbivorous safari area of the BBP ever since their arrival. A one-acre enclosure is under construction near the Hill View restaurant. The Infosys Foundation has taken up the work as part of corporate social responsibility. The work on the shelter and shade area is almost over, BBP Veterinarian Manjunatha Reddy told Deccan Herald.

 The zoo authorities collected swab and blood samples as per the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services, under Ministry of Agriculture Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. The samples were sent to the Natio­n­al Research Centre on Equines, Hissar, Haryana for tests. The reports were then se­nt to the quarantine officer for certification. The clearance for display has been obtained.

Many more attractions on cards
The BBP is now making attempts to bring four Baboons from Namibia in exchange for Sambaar Deer. The officials are also in talks with the Hyderabad zoo to get a Jaguar, Red Jungle Fowl, Black-headed Ibis and Painted Stork, in exchange for two Hippopotamuses.