Tiger population in state zoos static for five years now

While the Ludhiana zoo has five tigers,Chattbir zoo has 10. Only one tigress,in Chattbir,has given birth last year. It had later died.

In the city zoo,there are two tigers and three tigresses but interestingly,experts have only allowed one couple to mate.

“The others are very violent and there behaviour needs to be studied,” said Singh.

He added: “But even in this couple’s case,no success has been achieved. I am aware that GADVASU doctors don’t specialise in wildlife animals,but I am sure they will have some suggestions because the genetic patterns of the animals are similar.”

Many of the tigers in Chattbir zoo are from the same family,which makes mating impossible.

Additionally,the wildlife department has not made a historysheet of the tigers in Chattbir that helps them to know which pairs can be allowed to mate.

“They must be aware of the historysheet,but it has to be drawn in an organised way. After examination of the tigers in Ludhiana zoo,we will move to Chattbir,” said Singh.

Last year,the Chattbir zoo got a tiger for mating purposes,but so far breeding has been unsuccessful.

Regarding Ludhiana zoo’s dwindling popularity,Gurnaaj Singh said: “We have asked the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation to increase publicity so that more visitors throng the zoo.”

New entry gates have also been proposed to attract visitors,This plan was on paper last year as well,but nothing has materialised till date.