In a significant development for wildlife enthusiasts in Gujarat, the Sayajibaug Zoo in Vadodara has ended a four-decade-long wait by acquiring a pair of majestic white tigers. The big cats arrived as part of a carefully negotiated animal exchange program with the Pradhyuman Zoological Park in Rajkot.
A Historic Animal Exchange Finalized
The zoo's curator, Dr. Pratyush Patankar, confirmed the landmark acquisition. He revealed that the deal was finalized in October of this year following a meeting between the two zoological institutions. The Vadodara zoo secured the three-year-old tigers in exchange for a collection of exotic birds from its own aviary.
The white tigers, born between May and October 2022, were bred in Rajkot under the expert supervision of Superintendent Dr. R.K. Hirpara, who is renowned for his specialization in breeding large felines. This expertise ensured the animals were raised in a controlled and professional environment before their transfer.
Quarantine Before the Grand Unveiling
Currently, the newly arrived tigers are undergoing a mandatory quarantine period. This standard procedure is crucial for monitoring the health of the animals and ensuring they adapt to their new surroundings without stress. If all goes well, the zoo plans to put the pair on public display in the first week of January, offering visitors a rare glimpse of these magnificent creatures for the first time in 40 years.
What Vadodara Gave in Return
The exchange was not one-sided. In lieu of the two white tigers, Sayajibaug Zoo has provided the Rajkot facility with several exotic bird species. The transfer included:
- A pair of Blue-and-gold Macaws
- A pair of Black Swans
- A pair of Eclectus Parrots (Australian)
- A pair of Ring-neck Pheasants
- Two pairs of Amazon Parrots
Dr. Patankar highlighted that the Amazon parrots and Black Swans were bred within the Sayajibaug zoo itself, showcasing its own successful breeding programs. Furthermore, the zoo has committed to providing additional birds in the future, including a pair each of sulphur-crested cockatoos and sun conures.
This exchange underscores the collaborative spirit between Indian zoos, aimed at enhancing genetic diversity, promoting conservation breeding, and offering educational opportunities to the public. The return of white tigers to Vadodara marks a celebratory moment for the city's natural history and its commitment to wildlife preservation.
