Mangaluru: Asiatic male lion arrives at Pilikula Zoo

Mangaluru: Pilikula Zoo in Mangaluru has welcomed new animals from Odisha as part of an animal exchange program with Nandankanan Zoo. The recent arrivals include an Asiatic male lion, a dhole (wild dog), two gharial crocodiles, and four rare pheasants—two Silver Pheasants and two Yellow Golden Pheasants—all brought with approval from the Central Zoo Authority.

As part of the exchange, Pilikula Zoo has sent several native species, including four dholes born at the zoo, four rare Reticulated Pythons, two Brahminy Kites, three Asian Palm Civets, and two Large Egrets, to Nandankanan Zoo.

The animal exchange program aims to provide companionship for solitary animals and maintain genetic diversity. Currently, Pilikula Zoo houses three lions, and this Asiatic male lion has been brought in to serve as a companion. Asiatic lions are rare in Indian zoos, which is why this animal was transported from Nandankanan Zoo, located in Odisha.

The animals traveled under the care of two veterinary officers and eight animal handlers from Nandankanan Zoo. The new arrivals will undergo a 15-day acclimatization and health check period, including vaccinations and treatments, to help them adapt to their new surroundings before they are introduced for public viewing, said Pilikula Zoo Director H. Jayaprakash Bhandari in an official statement.