Asiatic Lion Information Centre

The Asiatic lion news archive - 2006

Stories relating to the Asiatic lion and updates on the captive breeding programme from 2006.

DATELINE: November 4, 2006
Lions arrive at Pilikula Nisarga Dhama

Special Correspondent

MANGALORE: Two new lions Narasimha and Siri have arrived at Pilikula Nisarga Dhama from Mysore Zoo. Narasimha (lion) is 12 years old and Siri (lioness) is 3 years.

The lioness was known as Ankita in Mysore but her name has been changed to Siri here. According to the wildlife warden of Pilikula Nisarga Dhama Jayaprakash Bhandary she is responding well to the new name and Narasimha is getting accustomed to the changed environment. Mr. Bhandary told The Hindu that both Narasimha and Siri had been exchanged for a pair of leopard cats in the Nisarga Dhama and a female lion tailed maqaque, which was endemic to the Western Ghats.

The Mysore zoo had taken up a breeding programme for lion tailed maqaque said Mr. Bhandary.

The Nisarga Dhama would receive a pair of panthers and a pair of tigers from Tavarekoppa in Shimoga district next week, he added.

Negotiations are also going on with the Gurajat Government for exchange of a pair of Gir Lions that will be cleared soon.

Earlier this week a central zoo evaluation committee had visited the Pilikula Nisarga Dhama and head of the panel Kamal Naidu also former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests was satisfied with the maintenance of wildlife enclosure and health of the animals.