The atmosphere is lively at Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh, Gujarat. Animals appear to be in high spirits, eagerly anticipating the arrival of two new residents—a pair of white tigers, one male and one female.
The vibrant birds are chirping, the peacocks gracefully display their colourful plumage, monkeys are energetically jumping and even the typically lethargic crocodiles are alert. Meanwhile, the pandas have ventured out of their caves, joining in the excitement.
The two white tigers have travelled more than 100 kilometres from the Pradhyuman Zoological Park in Rajkot to reach the Sakkarbaug Zoo. However, this exchange involved the zoo parting with a pair of lions, who have now been sent to the Pradhyuman Park.
In accordance with the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines, the tigers were initially placed in a quarantine facility for a period of 21 days. After this mandatory period, they were introduced to the jungle safari route. It has been more than two and a half years since the zoo last hosted white tigers and their return is sure to attract many visitors.
However, tourists will need to pay an additional Rs 50 to view these majestic animals.
The exchange of the tigers and lions took place under the Animal Exchange Programme, which is overseen by the CZA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The CZA views the role of zoos as evolving beyond mere exhibition spaces to centres dedicated to conservation efforts. They emphasise that zoos should focus on providing animals with better living conditions, ensuring their well-being and longevity.
The CZA also stresses the importance of transferring animals between zoos to maintain healthy and socially balanced populations, rather than simply keeping unpaired or solitary animals for the sake of increasing the number of species on display.
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