Preparations complete to bring a pair of zebras from Vantara ahead of the Onam season; a lion-tailed macaque and a king cobra will be transferred in exchange.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (KERALA): Visitors to the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo will have a new attraction this Onam season, with preparations underway to bring back a pair of zebras after a gap of nearly nine years.
The zebras will be brought from the Greens Zoological, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC), popularly known as Vantara, in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Zoo Director Manjula Devi said the return of zebras after several years was a significant development and would provide an additional attraction for visitors during the holiday season.
Zebras absent from zoo since 2017
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo has not housed zebras since 2017, when a zebra named Sita died due to age-related complications. Sita had been brought to the zoo from the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur, Chennai, in April 2002.
Officials expect the arrival of the new zebras to enhance the zoo’s animal collection, attract greater public interest and potentially boost visitor numbers.
Zebras aged three and five
The incoming pair are aged three and five years. Zoo veterinarian Dr Nikesh Kiran has already examined both animals and certified them fit for transportation.
The zebras will travel by road in a specially designed animal ambulance. A dedicated team, including veterinary personnel, will accompany them during the approximately three-day journey to monitor their health and safety.
Lion-tailed macaque and king cobra to be sent to Vantara
The transfer is being carried out under an animal exchange agreement. As part of the arrangement, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo will transfer one male lion-tailed macaque and one king cobra to Vantara.
Zoo Superintendent T.V. Anil Kumar said all formalities related to the exchange were being completed quickly so that visitors could see the zebras during the Onam holidays.
The zoo currently has three king cobras, one of which will be transferred under the agreement.
Dr Nikesh Kiran said one ageing male macaque would also be transferred. The zoo currently has five lion-tailed macaques — three males and two females.
Plans to bring giraffe and sloth bear
The zoo is also working on plans to expand its animal collection. Officials are exploring the possibility of bringing a giraffe from abroad, with an Expression of Interest (EOI) expected to be issued soon.
In addition, efforts are underway to bring a sloth bear from Hampi Zoo in Karnataka.
With these planned additions, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo could offer visitors an expanded range of wildlife attractions in the coming months.
