Etawah Safari Park Nears Completion of Lioness Search for Sultan and Simba
The search for a lioness to mate with two lions, Sultan and Simba, at Etawah Safari Park is almost complete, with sources indicating that lioness Sudha from Rohtak Zoo in Haryana has been selected as their potential mate. If all plans proceed smoothly, Sudha will soon be transported to Etawah Safari Park to join the lions.
Extensive Search and Selection Process
Safari management had been in contact with multiple zoos across India, including Sakkarbaug Zoo in Gujarat and Rajgir Zoo in Bihar, in their quest to find a suitable lioness. The goal was to ensure that both Sultan and Simba could find mates, thereby expanding their family and contributing to the park's wildlife population.
Dr. Anil Kumar Patel, Director of Etawah Safari, provided background on the lions, noting that Sultan and Simba were born in October 2016 from the first mating of lions Manan and Jessica at the safari. Now approximately nine years old, these lions have become a major attraction for visitors.
Genetic Diversity and Conservation Efforts
Currently, the only lionesses at Etawah Safari are siblings of Sultan and Simba, making it necessary to introduce a lioness from outside to prevent inbreeding and ensure a healthy next generation. To address this, the safari management initiated steps to bring in lioness Sudha from Rohtak Zoo.
As part of the agreement, a male lion named Vishwa, born at Etawah Safari Park on World Lion Day in 2022, will be sent to Rohtak Zoo in exchange. This exchange aims to promote genetic diversity and support conservation efforts across zoos.
Health Checks and Approvals
Lioness Sudha has previously given birth twice, raising hopes that she will successfully breed in Etawah as well. Before her transfer, her health will be thoroughly checked, with samples sent to institutions such as the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bangalore for analysis.
The process of bringing Sudha to Etawah can only be finalized after receiving approval from the Central Zoo Authority in New Delhi, ensuring all protocols are followed for animal welfare and conservation standards.
Recent Inspections and Collaborations
In recent developments, a wildlife veterinarian from Rajgir Zoo visited Etawah Safari to assess conditions. Additionally, about a year and a half ago, Dr. Anil Kumar Patel inspected facilities in Gujarat, while wildlife veterinarian Dr. Robin Yadav conducted an inspection at Rohtak Zoo, highlighting the collaborative efforts involved in this conservation initiative.
