ENARADA, Mysore, April 27, 2014
Mysore Zoo witnessed both happy and sad moments yesterday. Sad news first: Country’s only Gorilla and the main attraction of Mysore Zoo died and the good news is four Zebras arrived here from Israel.
According to press release from the office of Chief Conservator of Forests & Executive Director, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore, India’s only male Gorilla named ‘POLO’ aged about 43 years has died on April 26 at around 10:45pm.
‘POLO’ was born in 1972 and brought to Mysore Zoo on August 12, 1995 from Dublin Zoo situated in Ireland.
“Due to old age and disease, ‘POLO’ was looking tired for the last one month. ‘POLO’ completely stopped intake of food and was accepting only small quantity of Panaka (Juice), Milk and tea” said release.
Veterinary doctors of the Zoo headed by Dr. Sundar Raj took extreme care and managed to give some relief but finally ‘POLO’ died of illness.
Zoo officials, Staff, Doctors and Visitors expressed unhappiness over ‘POLO’s death and said memories of ‘POLO’ cannot be erased from their hearts.
For the Zoo lovers especially children who are going to miss ‘POLO’ forever, there are four Zebras trying to fill that gap.
As per the approved animal collection plan, Mysore Zoo has acquired two male and two female Zebras aged between 12 to 18 months from Ramatgan (Safari), Tel Aviv Zoo, Isreal.
According to B.P. Ravi, Chief Conservator of Forests & Executive Director, Mysore Zoo, Zebras belong to Equid (Horse) family. “They have distinctive black and white stripes. All of us know that children love Zebras because of their distinctive stripes” release said.
Old enclosure has been renovated with new and spacious view point, along with enrichment required for the animals. Natural canopy has been in place, to give protection to the visitors from scorching sun.
The Zebras are found in variety of habitats, such as grass lands, savannas, wood lands, thorny scrub lands, mountains, and coastal hills.
Zebras are arriving after a long time. Last time, Mysore zoo has acquired Zebras way back in the year 1990 from Germany.
“Unfortunately we could not breed them because of medical reason. However this time, we are acquiring young ones, not only for display but also for breeding” said release.
