The Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens popularly known as Mysuru Zoo is all set to receive Shaurya, the male Asiatic lion from Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden in Gujarat. The lion will arrive at the Zoo either on Mar. 7 or 8, said Zoo Executive Director K. Kamala Karikalan.

Shaurya will be shipped to Mysuru Zoo under animal exchange programme that has been put on hold following the outbreak of avian influenza. The programme has resumed now as the Zoo has been declared bird flu-free.  

Following the death of Asiatic lion Shankar last year, the zoo is getting three-year-old Shaurya which will mate with Renitha, the lioness that has been brought from Rajkot Zoo. In exchange, a Himalayan deer and a pair of wolves will be given to Sakkarbaug Zoo which is considered the largest and most successful breeder of Asiatic lions.

Mysuru Zoo aims to step up captive breeding of Asiatic lions soon after Shaurya’s arrival. The Zoo Director hopes that Shaurya will be one of the main attractions for visitors and said that the lion’s holding room is being readied.

NEW GUESTS: The Zoo has received new animals from Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai. It received two female Sambars, Rhesus Macaque and Reticulated Python. The exchange programme was executed in order to introduce new bloodline and to replenish the existing animal stock in Mysuru Zoo, said Zoo Executive Director Kamala Karikalan.

In exchange of these animals, Mysuru Zoo has sent a Nilgai, Silver pheasant and Common ring-necked pheasant.