Times News NeytworkKanpur: The Etawah Safari Park administration initiated a lion exchange process with Rohtak Zoo in Haryana on Sunday following approval from Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to expand the bloodline of Asiatic lions at the safari park.A five-member team from the safari left for Haryana on Saturday night with male lion Ajju to exchange him for lioness Sudha from Rohtak Zoo. The team was scheduled to return with lioness Sudha. Ajju was born on Sept 3, 2023, at Etawah Safari Park. Lioness Sudha will be paired with lions Simba and Sultan, both born in Oct 2016, to form a family unit.For the exchange, a five-member team, comprising Etawah Safari Park regional forest officer Rupesh Shrivastava, wildlife veterinarian Dr Robin Singh, keepers Asif and Ajay Kumar Singh, along with one other member, travelled to Rohtak Zoo with Ajju.Safari Park Deputy Director Vinay Kumar Singh stated that a dedicated AC ambulance from Wildlife SOS Agra was used for the safe exchange of both wildlife animals.Separately, correspondence was initiated with Rajgir Zoo Safari in Bihar for the exchange of one sub-adult male Asiatic lion. This was intended to provide a breeding partner for the female cubs of lionesses Neerja and Kanha. Once an agreement is reached, permission will be obtained from CZA and the male lion exchange with Rajgir Zoo Safari will be carried out.
