Rescued lions brought to Vandalur zoo

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, AUG. 2. The lions rescued from an illegal mobile circus have been brought to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, and housed at the new Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre constructed with financial assistance from the Central Zoo Authority of India for housing the animals seized from circuses.

These are the first animals to be housed at the R and R Centre at Vandalur.

The Forest officials of Nagercoil seized 17 animals, including three lion clubs and three adult lions, from an illegal mobile circus at Kuzhithurai near Nagercoil, on Tuesday.

The animals started the journey to their new home yesterday morning around 10 a.m. and reached the zoo around 5 p.m. today. All animals were transported in a lorry. As these circus animals were used to being on the move always, the journey would not affect their health, the zoo authorities said.

The animals were seized by the Forest officials while they were being exhibited illegally by Mr. M. A. Salam of Vallakadavu in Kerala. The animals were kept in cramped enclosures.

Six lions, a porcupine, two palm civet cats, rhesus and bonnet macaques, a jackal, an Indian rock python, a barn owl and a Malabar giant squirrel, were among the animals rescued.

Already, 11 lions seized from similar illegal exhibitions have been lodged in the quarantine area of the AAZP. Due to lack of space in the quarantine area, the lions from Nagercoil were taken to the new Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, said Mr. V. Irulandi, Director in-charge of the zoo.

Mr. Irulandi said after keeping the animals under observation for sometime, some of them could be released into the lion safari inside the AAZP. As of now their health condition was good. However, the zoo veterinarians would conduct a thorough check up tomorrow.

As soon as the animals were shifted to their new enclosures, the authorities provided nearly 25 kg of beef to the lions. They were also provided a large quantity of water. Owing to the heat, the animals consumed the entire quantity of water, the officials said.

Another 16 lions from Sangli in Maharashtra would arrive soon and they would also be housed in the quarantine area, Mr. Irulandi said.

A lioness and cubs after arriving at the Vandalur Zoo on Thursday.

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Section  : Southern States
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