Quick diet adaptability and friendly behaviour of five and-a-half years old tiger ‘Rajkumar’ made him suitable for open enclosure in Gorewada Zoo which will be open for public soon.
FDCM and Wildlife Research and Training Centre (WRTC) recently shifted ‘Rajkumar’ and a tigress ‘Lee’ in Gorewada Zoo and kept them in closed cells to get acclimatised in new place ahead of releasing them in the large open enclosure of Indian Safari for the visitors.
‘Rajkumar’ was put in a closed cell for more than 15 days to observe the his behaviour and let it get habitual to new diet pattern. The decision of releasing the tiger was taken after his good behaviour with caretakers and quick diet adaptability.
Along with two tigers, FDCM also shifted six sloth bears and seven leopards in Gorewada Zoo. These wild animals were also kept in closed cells to monitor their
health and nutrition.
‘Rajkumar’ was captured from Bhandara district and brought to Gorewada Rescue Centre in 2017 after it ventured close to villages in the area.
The tiger is aware about food timing (3 pm) in the new home and is becoming habitual to notice the food van coming close to it daily. Also, he is aware about the time to enter the night shelter which, too, is situated inside the zoo.
Meanwhile tigress ‘Lee’, is shy and reserved. The beast has not yet adopted to food timing and other activities inside the cell. But, we will release ‘Lee’ in the open enclosure in the sec ond phase soon, informed Gorewada Division Forrest officer.
It may be noted that of six sloth bears, four prefer to stay together and are also getting keeper friendly. The officials will also release them in the open enclosure in the second phase.
However, releasing leopards will take some time as they are yet adapt to the new surroundings.
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