Deekshith D V

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Mar 10: A new attraction awaits tourists visiting the Pilikula Biological Park as the park has introduced four white blackbucks and four blue bulls recently.

The rare animals were received under the animal exchange programme from Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Park in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

In return, the Pilikula Biological Park which is located on the outskirts of the city has given away six reticulated pythons and four grey mongooses to Nagpur from its surplus stock.

A press release issued by the Director of Pilikula Biological Park H J Bhandary said that new animals are rare variants. "Colouration is the result of genetic mutation. These animals are leucistic. Blue bulls are the largest antelope found in Asia," he informed.

Speaking to daijiworld.com, H J Bhandary said during the pandemic the animal exchange had come to a halt. Soon, after everything eased, we have continued the programme. The animal exchange programme will be taken up only after getting approval from the Central Zoo Authority of India.

When compared to other zoos in the country, Pilikula Biological Park comes under the 'large zoo' category as the Central Zoo Authority of India has recognised the park under the 'large' category.

The zoo is run by a registered society through CSR funds from various companies, contributions from animal lovers and the general public through the animal adoption programme.