Asiatic lions to make a comeback at Vandalur zoo after a decade

Chennai: Come May, a pure-bred Asiatic lion, two Asiatic lionesses and a wild ass will make their entry into Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur from Gujarat's Sakkarbaug Zoo. This marks the return of Asiatic lions to the zoo after more than a decade.
Efforts to secure these animals have been going on for two years, as pure-bred Asiatic lions are in high demand among zoos nationwide.
The zoo is also acquiring a wild ass to pair with its existing male. In exchange, Vandalur zoo will give provide Sakkarbaug zoo with an Indian gaur, a pair of white tigers, mouse deer, white peafowl and yellow anacondas. The Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) is reviewing the arrangement, with final approval expected by early March.
Vandalur zoo has a strong track record in breeding conservation. Its Indian gaur population grew to more than 25, while its white tigers, introduced in the late 1990s, reproduced successfully. The zoo also made significant strides in breeding mouse deer, a rare and endangered nocturnal species.
A senior zoo official attributed this success to the design of its enclosures, which closely mimic natural habitats.
This is the third major animal exchange for Vandalur zoo in recent years. In Jan 2024, Vandalur zoo received endangered bird species, including Egyptian vultures, Himalayan griffons and mottled wood owls, along with common langurs from Kanpur Zoo, in exchange for reticulated pythons and mouse deer.