Baby boom at Pilikula Biological Park in Mangaluru
In all, 14 species of animals and birds under captivity give birth to young ones, increasing the stock at the zoo
There is a baby boom at Pilikula Biological Park in Mangaluru with many species of animals under captivity giving birth to young ones during the past one month.
Wild dog ( Cuon alpinus), Mouse Deer ( Tragulus javanicus), Golden Jackal ( Canis aureus) and Black Buck ( Antilope cervicapra), which have been listed as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), are among the 14 species of animals and birds that gave birth (or laid eggs) to offsprings at the park, which has been recognised as a major zoo by the Central Zoo Authority.
Park Director H. Jayaprakash Bhandary told The Hindu that five Wild Dog, three babies each of Mouse Deer and Golden Jackal and five young ones of Black Buck were born during the period. With this, the stocks of Wild Dog in the park has reached 17, Mouse Deer to nine, Golden Jackal to 37, and Black Buck to 56.
The Stripped Hyena ( Hyaena hyaena), which has been listed under ‘Nearly Threatened’ species by the IUCN gave birth to two cubs with their stock reaching to 10.
“More number of animals and birds breeding under captivity indicate a healthy environment for them at the park,” Mr. Bhandary said adding that providing natural habitat and diet, and arranging timely treatment mattered in making animals and birds breed in captivity.
Other animals
The other animals that gave birth to young ones are Red Handed Tamarin ( Saguinus midas – two young ones); Nilgai ( Boselaphus tragocamelus four); Hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus amphibious one);
Sambar Deer ( Rusa unicolor – four); Spotted Deer ( Axis axis – 10); Barking Deer ( Muntiacus muntjak – two), and Marsh Crocodile ( Crocodylus palustris – five).
The redhanded tamarin introduced at the park a year ago is a ‘New World’ monkey. It is native to Brazil and Venezulea. The life expectancy is 10 years, and it lives in groups of 15 members. Gestation period is fourandahalf months to fiveandahalf months. The female gives birth to two offspring.
“They are exceptional climbers and superb jumpers. They eat eggs, insects, frogs, spiders, lizards, nectar, leaves, fruits, and flowers,” Mr. Bhandary said.
Among birds, Muscovy
Duck ( Cairina moschata) gave birth (by laying eggs) to 10 little ones, and a White Black Buck ( Antilope cervicapra) was born during the last one month.
Started as a minizoo before being upgraded to small, medium and a major zoo, the twodecade old Pilikula Biological Park was opened to the public in 2004. Now, it has over 1,200 animals and birds.
The park does not get annual maintenance grant from the government. It is managed by gate collection, through donations, and animal adoption schemes.
Some time ago, the Reliance Foundation donated ₹1 crore to the park for the development and construction of new enclosures.
Pilikula Biological Park doesn’t get annual maintenance grant from the govt. It is managed by gate collection, through donations, and animal adoption schemes