Mysuru: The Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) is all set to open first Gaur safari of the country in Tyavarekoppa in Shivamogga District soon. More than 21 Indian Gaurs will be shifted from Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo) to the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari in Shivamogga to launch the Indian Gaur Safari.
ZAK president L. R. Mahadevaswamy said that the 151st board meeting of ZAK held in Tyvarekoppa Zoo recently has decided to open Gaur safari. The safari would come up in 75 acres of land in Tyavarekoppa, and the construction of safari premises has also been completed. In the safari here people can see the Indian Gaurs from a close range and a fencing too has been craeted.
Mahadevaswamy said that the State Government has released Rs. 10 Crore for the safari and wildlife enthusiasts who come to Tyavarekoppa for Lion and Tiger Safari can also go for Indian Gaur Safari. Discussions are on to transport the 21 Indian Gaurs from the Mysuru Zoo to Shivamogga in a safe manner, he said and added that as the climatic conditions of Mysuru and Shivamogga are somewhat similar, the animals
will not turn aggressive and would acclimatise to the new climate.
At present, there are over 38 Indian Gaurs at the Mysuru Zoo and the proposal to shift 21 of them to Shivamogga is before the Central Zoo Authority. Indian Gaur is a major prey species and is a Schedule 1 animal. In the past, the Mysuru Zoo has safely shifted many animals including giraffes and elephants.
The ZAK board meeting noted that a budget of Rs. 114.62 Crore is needed to maintain all the Zoos of Karnataka that come under ZAK for the financial year 2022-23. A revenue of Rs 23.92 crore is expected through entry ticket collection and Rs. 23.26
Crore income is expected from other sources. A deficit of Rs. 17.49 Crore can be fulfilled if the State Government fulfils the gap, the meeting observed. The State Government had sanctioned Rs. 5 Crore in the 2020-2021 budget and that has been used to construct premises and enclosures for tigers, lions and leopards at Tyavarekoppa Zoo. Also, a 2 lakh litre water tank has been constructed and a pipeline extending up to 5.50 km has been laid, Mahadevaswamy added.
