Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Van Vihar National Park is planning to introduce two male King Cobras from Pilikula Biological Park in Mangalore, Karnataka, under the animal exchange programme.
In return, Van Vihar will provide two tigers to the Karnataka park. Currently, paperwork is in progress between the two institutions, and if finalised, Van Vihar will become the first place in the state to house King Cobras.
However, park officials are facing several challenges before the deal can be completed. One of the major concerns is the lack of trained personnel to handle King Cobras, which can grow up to 15 feet in length and raise their heads up to five feet.
Additionally, there is no available anti-venom for King Cobra bites, which could prove fatal.
Therefore, Van Vihar is keen on ensuring proper training for its staff and conducting a feasibility study before the snakes are brought in. Another challenge for the park will be ensuring a sufficient food supply for the King Cobras, as their diet mainly consists of other snakes and lizards.
Furthermore, the snakes will require a large, specialised enclosure to accommodate their size and behaviour. Officials at Van Vihar will move ahead with the project only when they are fully prepared to take proper care of King Cobras. "The discussions are still in progress. The plan is to exchange two tigers for two male King Cobras," said a senior official from the park.
