Mangaluru, Mar 26, 2016: The Royal Bengal Tigress, ’Netravathi’, in captivity at Pilikula Biological Park, has for the third time given birth to four healthy cubs. It is seen as a feather in the cap for the park indicating its healthy atmosphere for breeding of the animals under captivity. The mother Netravathi herself was been born in captivity at the park about eight and a half years ago.
“The 4 cubs, born a week ago, have opened their eyes and are being nurtured by the mother tigress,” H. Jayaprakash Bhandary, director of the park, said.
“The first two months are critical for the newborn cubs in terms of infections, only the caretakers of the animal are allowed to monitor them. Visitors will be allowed once the cubs are vaccinated and fit for public viewing,” he said.
Director Bhandary said that in the first two months, they would feed on mother’s milk only and nothing else. With the arrival of the young ones, the park now has 11 tigers, including eight adults. Of the adults, seven are male and one is a female.
Earlier in 2014, the same tigress had given birth to two cubs, Akshay and Manju, who are now grown up and healthy. They were adopted by Manoj Shetty, Saju Neliyar and Subbanna Shetty.
Netravathi gave birth to Krishna in 2011 which was adopted by the then Minister J. Krishna Palemar. Later it was given to Surat Zoo under an animal exchange programme. Bhandary said that animal lovers could adopt the four new cubs. If adopted, they would have the option of naming them.
The park would announce whether the new ones are male or female after two months. He said earlier those who have adopted various animals at the park have given up to Rs. 2 lakh per year. The park has not fixed any minimum amount for adopting animals.
Comments on this Article | |
Nagraj Kumar, Bantwal | Sat, March-26-2016, 12:31 |
In our childhood we used to visit Kadri park situated in the city to watch some species of wild animals. But later it was shifted, now Pilikula is offering opportunity to watch the variety of animals. | |
Mahesh Kamath, Manipal | Sat, March-26-2016, 12:16 |
Thanks to Pilikula. Its our duty to preserve the existing species of animals and birds. All of them contribute to beautify the nature. | |
Rafique Hussain, Hubli | Sat, March-26-2016, 12:13 |
A tigress feeding the cubs . We hardly get to see them as all the wild life are endangered species. We have to take the credit of making the species endangered. |