Ludhiana Zoo hopes to welcome bear, leopard and jackal pairs this year

LUDHIANA: Having lost two Himalayan bears — Rinu and Kalu — just in a span of three days, the Ludhiana zoo had a difficult period towards the end of 2022. But 2023 promises to be a good year as the zoo authorities expect the arrival of a pair each of bears, leopards and jackals. Further, a proposal to construct an enclosure for gharials is also in the final stage.

Established in the year 1993, Ludhiana zoo is spread across 25 acres which houses around 250 animals, including deer, sambhar, black buck, tigers, ducks, barasingha, porcupine and peacocks etc.

A wildlife official said the year 2022 had been tough for them as they lost the lone pair of Himalayan bears Rinu and Kalu, who had aged. “Visitors to the zoo do ask about the bears and the employees have to sadly inform them that both the bears have died. Though tigers are the center of attraction for the visitors, people loved watching bears, especially kids,” the official said.

The official said, “While Kalu died on November 27, Rinu passed away on December 1. We have sent a proposal to our head office asking for a pair of Himalayan bears. We are hopeful to get the pair this year.”

“Further, the proposal of getting a pair of leopards has already been sent. Cages and an enclosure for the leopards has already been constructed. We are hoping to get the leopards in the summers. Further, a pair of jackals will also be received this year as the previous one had died in 2021,” the official added.

The wildlife officials also confirmed that the proposal for constructing an enclosure for gharials is also at the final stage.

The Ludhiana zoo at present has two big cats — Nav aged 4.5 years and Chirag aged 15 years. Both Nav and Chirag are healthy and attractive. The zoo official set one tiger free in the forest at one time on alternate days. The official said as Nav arrived in Ludhiana zoo some time ago in November 2021, they are making both big cats familiar and comfortable for mating.