The Kittur Rani Channamma Nisargadhama, a mini zoo located on the outskirts of Belagavi, is all set to welcome a new tigress within the next two weeks. The Central Zoo Authority has approved the transfer of the tigress from the Mysuru Zoo to Belagavi. If everything proceeds as planned, the tigress will arrive at her new home shortly.
This comes just weeks after a lioness from Bannerghatta National Park was brought to the zoo. The addition of these big cats follows a rise in footfall at the zoo during the school and college holidays. In recent years, animal lovers were disheartened by the deaths of two lions and a tigress. However, the arrival of these new residents has brought renewed excitement among visitors.
Speaking to reporters, Pavan Kuraning, Range Forest Officer of the mini zoo, said that the tigress is currently undergoing a health check-up in Mysuru. “Once the screening report is received, we will proceed with her transfer after getting the necessary clearance from the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF),” he said. He also noted a consistent increase in the number of visitors.
Currently, the 34-acre zoo houses over 200 animals, including two tigers, two lions, three leopards, four hyenas, two bears, three crocodiles, three sambars, 40 deer, and various exotic birds. Zoo authorities added that weekend ticket collections have surpassed ₹1 lakh.
