NEWS – Bannerghatta Biological Park to Launch Leopard Safari to Bolster Tourism

HIGHLIGHTS

Leopard Safari Details

• Current Leopard Population: The park has 70 leopards, with 12 to be released into a 50-acre open enclosure.
• Safety Measures: Safety barriers will be installed around the enclosure, and officials will regularly monitor the animals.
• Existing Safaris: The leopard safari will be an addition to the existing lion and tiger safaris.

Aquarium Projects

• New Developments: The Zoo Authority of Karnataka has approved the construction of aquariums for both freshwater and saltwater fish.
• Location: An aquarium will be built between the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens and Karanji Lake in Mysuru.
• Feasibility and Approval: A feasibility report was reviewed and approved, stressing international guidelines.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP): The aquariums will be developed on a PPP model.

Additional Initiatives

• Vulture Conservation: The Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre at the Bannerghatta National Park will operate as a satellite center of the BBP.
• Water Supply: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will provide drinking water to the animals and visitors, with the pipeline network recently completed.
• Veterinary Care: The board resolved to fill veterinarian vacancies in the zoos to ensure proper care for wild animals.
• Local Veterinary Services: The Adumalleshwara Mini Zoo, Chitradurga, received post-facto approval for using local veterinarians.
• Health Benefits: Approval was given to extend health benefits to 153 personnel hired directly by the BBP.