Karnataka - Bangalore

In search of companions for lonely ones

Home alone: A zebra at the Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bangalore.

BANGALORE: It is a different kind of a search for companions. For, after leading lonely lives for quite some time now, a few captive animals in the Bannerghatta Biological Park are waiting for their mates. Park authorities are making efforts to meet their need.

They have commenced a search for companions for an assorted number of animals and birds, including a zebra, lion-tailed macaque, white peacock and an Iguana.

The 12-year-old zebra came to the park along with its mate from Bhubaneshwar in 2001.

After siring a few offspring, the zebra, fondly called “Bhoola”, lost his companion a year ago.

An eight-year-old lion-tailed macaque, an endangered species, was brought to the park by an ex-serviceman from Bhagamandala two years ago.

“A few days ago the couple were here to see this active macaque, which they had taken care of for six years,” said the veterinary doctor of the park, K. Basavarajappa.

Similarly, a search is also on for a companion for the eight-year-old white peacock and the Iguana.

Dr. Basavarajappa said there had not been much of a change in the behaviour of the animals despite staying alone. “But, we do need to understand that just like humans, animals also want to live with their mates,” he added.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the park, K.B. Markandaiah has written to the Central Zoo Authority requesting it to provide mates for the animals and birds. “We have been able to identify companions for the white peacock in Mysore and for the Iguana at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Chennai respectively.

But, clearance from the authorities is being awaited,” he said.

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