AC ambulances to transport white tiger, wolves 900km in cool comfort
Times of India | 20 April 2024
Kolkata: Alipore zoo is gearing up to welcome a host of new animals from the Vizag Zoo next week, as part of an exchange programme. The new additions include a three-year-old female white tiger, pairs of Indian grey wolves and hyenas, five wild dogs and two black swans. This move is aimed at refreshing the zoo’s population and aiding in captive breeding efforts.
Addressing concerns about transporting animals in hot weather, city zoo director Subhankar Sengupta said the zoo has arranged six special animal ambulances equipped with AC and necessary medical facilities to ensure the animals’ safe and comfortable transit.The officials will leave on the ambulances for Vizag on Saturday morning.
“Vets will also travel and keep watch on the animals. If needed, the temperature inside the vans will be kept at the minimum to ensure the animals’ comfort,” Sengupta added.
When a pair of Siberian tigers had arrived in the state from a Cyprus zoo last Dec, they were also taken to their new home — the Darjeeling zoo — on these ambulances.
Sengupta said the two existing white tigers at the zoo are quite old. The introduction of the new tiger is expected to be a key attraction and contribute to the zoo’s breeding programme.
The exchange will also see Alipore zoo parting with some of its animals — a pair of giraffes, two monitor lizards and a pair of macaws will be sent to the Vizag Zoo. This exchange allows both zoos to maintain genetic diversity.
While the macaws and monitor lizards will leave for Vizag Zoo on Saturday, the giraffes will be sent next week. A special crate has been designed for the giraffes’ journey.
Alipore zoo now houses pairs of wolves and hyenas, but these animals are also ageing. The new pairs arriving from Vizag will help in continuing the species’ presence at the zoo. Additionally, the zoo will receive five wild dogs, which will complement the three they already have.
The pair of black swans are expected to be a unique attraction due to their striking black plumage and red bills.