Akshat, Drithi, Gauri -- Joy and pride of Chhatbir zoo

Animals acquired from Rajkot zoo in Gujarat under exchange programme

Our Correspondent

Zirakpur, August 21

The Chhatbir zoo recently acquired a lion, a lioness and a white tigress from the Rajkot zoo in Gujarat.

An exchange programme, which was initiated by the Chhatbir zoo in January 2018 with the Rajkot zoo, was approved by the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi, in October 2018, pending approval of the Gujarat Government.

Due to persistent efforts by Punjab, the Gujarat Government finally gave the nod to the proposal. To formally hand over the animals, a felicitation programme was conducted in Gir, Gujarat, in which the Chief Minister of Gujarat handed over a certificate of authorisation to Punjab to receive the animals. Accordingly, following a discussion held between the directors of the two zoos, a technical team, headed by the SVO, Chhatbir zoo, Ashish, along with Harpal Singh, Range Officer, and animal keepers, reached the Rajkot Zoo on August 16. After a health check-up and clearance, the animals were loaded safely in customised containers. The team started its back journey on August 17 evening and reached Punjab.

The zoo team welcomed the new members -- Akshat (lion), Drithi (lioness) and Gauri (white tigress) -- with euphoria. After a brief examination by the veterinary wing of the Chhatbir zoo, the animals were served soup and meat. The new members will be kept under observation in quarantine for at least a month before visitors are allowed to see them.