In a special event marking the Karavali Utsava celebrations, two adorable tiger cubs made their first public appearance at the Pilikula Biological Park in Mangaluru. The cubs, born on December 20, 2024, were released from their cages into a dedicated enclosure for visitors to see.
A Naming Ceremony for the Newborn Cubs
The Pilikula Development Authority organized a formal naming ceremony for the cubs on Sunday. The honour of naming them went to donor Diwakar Kadri, the General Manager of Cardolite Specialty Chemicals, who has adopted both cubs. He named the female cub Tennyson and the male cub Oliver.
During the ceremony, Kadri emphasized the critical need for a deeper public understanding of tigers to manage human-wildlife conflicts effectively. He stated that tiger conservation is a collective responsibility, requiring sustained effort from all sections of society.
Officials Echo Call for Conservation Support
Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V, who released the cubs into the enclosure, shared his personal fondness for forests and wildlife. Recalling childhood memories, he declared the tiger as his favourite wild animal and expressed a keen desire to adopt a cub himself in the future.
Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, Commissioner of the Pilikula Development Authority, used the occasion to appeal to the public and corporations to come forward and adopt animals at the park. He highlighted that sustained support from donors like Diwakar Kadri is essential for the efficient management of the biological park.
A Boost for Wildlife Awareness and Tourism
The release of the cubs during the Karavali Utsava is seen as a significant step to boost wildlife tourism and public engagement in conservation. The event successfully merged cultural celebration with an important environmental message, putting a spotlight on the park's successful breeding and care programs.
The introduction of Tennyson and Oliver offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with these majestic endangered animals from a young age, fostering a sense of shared duty towards their protection and the preservation of their natural habitats.
