New Delhi: Four cheetahs arrived in India late Saturday night. These will be kept at the Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru. The batch of animals which have arrived in India from South Africa, include 2 males and 2 females. The cheetahs have arrived in India from Induna Primate and Parrot Park in South Africa.
Cheetahs arrived in India under Animal Exchange Programme
The cheetahs reached the Kempegowda International Airport at 1:15 am on Saturday. The Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre was present at the airport to receive the animals at the cargo terminal. The animals have come to the country under an Animal Exchange Programme, approved under the Wildlife Protection (Act).
The Minister asked officials to follow all protocols and ensure strict quarantine of the cheetahs. He also asked the experts and veterinary doctors to ensure that the animals are provided with the required diet and kept under observations for the next 30 days, so that they can acclimate smoothly to Indian conditions.
Meanwhile, the authorities of the Bannerghatta Biological Park said that the animal exchange programme would help strengthen conservation efforts, enhance genetic diversity within the captive population, promote visitor awareness and support scientific research.
Cheetahs disappeared from Karnataka forests: Minister Khandre
Following the arrival of the animals in the country, Forest Minister Khandre said that the cheetahs, locally known as Shivang once roamed the forests in Karnataka, but have now completely disappeared. He said that it was important to raise public awareness regarding the animals, through zoological institutions.
He also asked Dr Sunil Panwar, Member Secretary, Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), to ensure the safety and well being of the animals.
Officials said that before their arrival in India, the cheetahs have undergone all required medical tests and quarantine in South Africa, as required under the Department of Animal Husbandry guidelines. Before import, the No Objection Certificate was granted by the Animal Quarantine Services.
After arrival at the Biological Park, the animals have been put into quarantine. They will be released into their enclosures after 30 days and then the public can view them, said officials.