Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jul 15: Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner, A B Ibrahim, said that the possibility of getting giraffes, zebras, and chimpanzees from central Africa with the help of donors is under consideration for being housed in Dr Shivaram Karanth Biological Park at Nisargadhama, Pilikula.
Addressing a press meet here on Thursday July 14, Ibrahim said that the animals might cost about Rs 1.75 crore, adding that some corporate companies have been approached for the purpose. Giraffes cost about Rs 75 lac while zebras and chimpanzees will cost Rs 50 lac each, he added.
Ibrahim explained that at present, Pilikula is home to about 1,200 animals, birds, and rodents belonging to 120 species. "An effort to exchange the animals is also on. When bringing animals from Africa, couples have to be brought and all the animals cannot be brought together. If import formalities go on smoothly, these animals will become additional attractions at Pilikula park in about six months," he explained.
He also said that a mega jackfruit Mela will be held on July 16 and 17 at Nisargadhama in association with various departments, organizations, and institutions. "Jackfruit growers from different parts of the state will participate, and 55 stalls are being provided free of cost. Mangalore University vice chancellor, K Byrappa, will inaugurate the Mela, while district in-charge minister, B Ramanath Rai, and MLAs, K Abhay Chandra Jain and Mohiuddin Bava, will take part as guests, he informed.
Dr Shivakumar Magada of Agricultural Research Station, director of Pilikula Biological Park, H Jayaprakash Bhandary, and director of regional science centre, Dr K V Rao, were among those who were present at the press conference.