Delhi Zoo to Expand the Tiger and Lion Population

Delhi Zoo to welcome a pair of lions from Indore Zoo. IMG Credit: newandolder.com

New Delhi: Efforts are underway to expand the population of tigers and lions at the Delhi Zoo. Measures include promoting breeding and bringing wildlife from other zoos.

Under the Animal Exchange Program, the administration has approved the transfer of a pair of lions, vultures, and other wildlife from Indore Zoo.

Peacock and Gharial Also to Arrive
A zoo official stated that a pair of lions, a peacock, a vulture, four turtles, two snakes, a gharial, a pair of parrots, a male wolf, and three doves will be brought from Indore Zoo. In return, Delhi Zoo will provide three Sangai deer, three white antelopes, a male hippopotamus, and three barking deer. The zoo administration has approved this exchange.

Fully Committed to Breeding
The zoo is fully committed to the conservation and breeding of wildlife. Currently, it houses 13 tigers, including white tigers and Royal Bengal tigers, as well as two pairs of lions. One lion pair is young, while the other is elderly. The tiger and lion pairs have now reached breeding age. Additionally, efforts are being made to facilitate breeding among hyenas.

Cells Being Prepared for Wildlife
Zoo Director Dr. Sanjeet Kumar stated that the approval file for bringing wildlife from Indore Zoo has been sent to the authorities. The zoo administration is taking all necessary steps for wildlife conservation and breeding. Presently, efforts are focused on improving enclosures for wildlife.

Eight new cells will be built for tigers, adding to the existing 12, bringing the total number of tiger enclosures to 16. Older enclosures will be repaired and converted into eight new ones. The zoo is also preparing enclosures for gaur, and renovation work is underway for otter enclosures. Otters from Surat are expected to arrive by End March or April.