Indore : City zoo authorities are in a dilemma considering two options of whether to acquire a white tiger or an ostrich in exchange of a wolf. While an ostrich in exchange of a wolf is a beneficial deal, city zoo is keener on procuring white tigers.
In the beginning of February, a white tigress named Shivani had passed away after an illness. The 6-year-old tigress was the last of her kind in the zoo. Based on investigation of her post-mortem, it was found that she had acute hepatic liver failure.
With the rising demand of white tigers, zoo in-charge, Dr Uttam Yadav has been trying to crack a deal with several animal organisations to obtain white tigers. “We have received a positive response for trading white tigers with wolves from Hyderabad,” Yadav said.
He elaborated that wolves are in high demand among a number of zoos across the country. “There are a number of zoos that are ready to exchange any animal in exchange of a wolf,” he said.
Indore’s zoo has 4 wolves in all and the authorities are planning to trade 2 wolves this year. “We have also received a proposal from Junagadh for exchanging a wolf with an ostrich,” Yadav said.
The zoo authorities have been trying to bring in ostriches to attract more tourists. Ostriches are flightless bird from Africa. “Ostriches form an attraction for animal lovers of all ages,” Yadav said. However, they are very expensive to procure in monetary terms.
Aurangabad and Mysore zoos are ready to trade any animal in exchange of wolves. Zoo authorities are pondering over the deals and will soon decide on it.
