After nearly ten years, the Thiruvananthapuram zoo is poised to welcome pair of zebras,rekindling a connection with these distinctive animals for local visitors. male and female zebras, aged five and three respectively, are being transported from the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (Vantara) in Jamnagar,Gujarat. This long-awaited addition coincides with the festive season of Onam, a time of celebration in Kerala.
The zebras,known for their striking black-and-white stripes,are of breeding age,which was a significant factor in the zoo's decision to acquire them. Zoo veterinary surgeon Nikesh Kiran visited Vantara earlier this month to assess their health before the transfer. Although a specific date for their journey has yet to be confirmed, plans are in place for them to travel by road in a specially designed animal ambulance. The trip is expected to last around three days,with a veterinary team from Vantara accompanying the zebras to ensure their well-being.
Zoo director Manjula Devi expressed her excitement about the new arrivals,emphasizing the joy they will bring to visitors. She hopes the zebras will be ready for public viewing by time Onam celebrations commence . Their return marks a significant moment for the zoo, which has been without zebras since the death of Sita in March 2017. Sita, last zebra at facility, passed away due to cardiac arrest after years of solitude, having lost her mate,Mani,in 2003.
During her time at zoo,Sita became a beloved figure among residents. After suffering from chronic arthritis, she was taken off display in late 2016, leading to a poignant end to her years at the zoo. The absence of zebras left a noticeable gap in the zoo's collection, and the arrival of the new pair is expected to fill that void.
In exchange for the zebras,the Thiruvananthapuram zoo will send a king cobra and lion-tailed macaque to Vantara. This exchange reflects ongoing efforts to enhance animal diversity and promote breeding programs across facilities. As the zoo prepares for zebras' arrival,anticipation builds among the community, eager to once again witness these captivating animals in their enclosures.
