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Lucknow zoo in search of right mates
by Kamna Mathur

     Lucknow: Authorities at a Lucknow zoo are faced with an unusual problem after observing that many animals at the zoo don't have fellows to pair. Hence, they are exploring possibilities of exchange programme for help the creatures at the zoo Presently, the zoo officials wish to ensure pairing of animals under their care since a majority of the animals here are starved of partners. The search is on for the right partner is not limited to Indian zoos but extended to zoos in abroad too. There are 185 animals in total in the zoo out of which over a dozen are unpaired. The number of male and female animals without any partner to mate has become a matter of serious concern for the zoo officials. The matter of pairing among the endangered species, in particular, assumes utmost importance since their breeding in captivity would be an asset. "We have almost eight animals that are unpaired. Some are male and some female. We have made a wanted list that we will circulate to the Indian zoos. If we get reply, we look forward to it. One of the unpaired animals is a male rhino," said Renu Singh, Director, Prince of Wales Zoo, Lucknow.

      A rhino named Lohit which is already 24 years old has not found a mate as yet. This in turn has caused much anxiety in the minds of the zoo officials. The specific cases include a golden Rhesus monkey, a female pig tailed Macaque, male grey heron, a male lion tailed Macaque, a male flamingo and a common crane. An elephant named Sumit has already turned 38 and the zoo authorities have lost all hopes to find him a mate Experts believe that it is important to pair the animals as mating is a natural phenomenon for any form of life. This also contributes to their gene pool. "We might get a pair from abroad and we may be able to pair them. It is our duty to breed these animals. It is not right to keep the animals alone," added Renu Singh, Director, Prince of Wales Zoo in Lucknow. If animals are not fulfilled for such needs, the animals tend to become more furious and irritated in behaviour. The authorities are now exploring possible mates and also using Internet facility for help locate right candidates among animals.
-Oct 22,  2008