The Etawah Safari Park administration initiated a lion exchange process with Rohtak Zoo in Haryana on Sunday, following approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to expand the bloodline of Asiatic lions at the safari park.
Exchange Details
A five-member team from the safari left for Haryana on Saturday night with male lion Ajju to exchange him for lioness Sudha from Rohtak Zoo. The team was scheduled to return with lioness Sudha. Ajju was born on September 3, 2023, at Etawah Safari Park. Lioness Sudha will be paired with lions Simba and Sultan, both born in October 2016, to form a family unit.
Team and Transport
For the exchange, a five-member team, comprising Etawah Safari Park Regional Forest Officer Rupesh Shrivastava, Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Robin Singh, keepers Asif and Ajay Kumar Singh, along with one other member, traveled to Rohtak Zoo with Ajju. Safari Park Deputy Director Vinay Kumar Singh stated that a dedicated AC ambulance from Wildlife SOS Agra was used for the safe exchange of both wildlife animals.
Future Plans
Separately, correspondence was initiated with Rajgir Zoo Safari in Bihar for the exchange of one sub-adult male Asiatic lion. This was intended to provide a breeding partner for the female cubs of lionesses Neerja and Kanha. Once an agreement is reached, permission will be obtained from CZA and the male lion exchange with Rajgir Zoo Safari will be carried out.
