Chikodi MP Priyanka Jarkiholi released a tigress named Nitya and a lioness named Brunga into the Kittur Rani Channamma Zoo at Bhutaramanahatti on Saturday.
The move follows the death of lioness Nirupama at the same zoo due to illness. Brunga was brought from Bannerghatta National Park in Bengaluru, while Nitya arrived from Mysuru. After completing the quarantine period, both animals were officially released for public viewing by MP Jarkiholi.
The MP noted that earlier, people in North Karnataka had to travel to places like Bannerghatta, Mysuru, Shivamogga, or Hampi to witness wildlife. Now, the Bhutaramanahatti mini zoo in Belagavi, spread across 125 acres of greenery, offers a rich wildlife experience locally.
During her visit, MP Priyanka toured the facility in a small vehicle, observing 198 animals and 25 bird species, and praised the efforts of the forest department.
She was also felicitated by the mini zoo’s zonal forest officer, Pawan Kuraninga. Forest officials GH Kudari, Nagesh Huhilgol, and other staff members were present during the event.
