A pair of Royal Bengal Tigers, along with a pair of leopards and some birds, left the Bengal Safari Park, on the outskirts of Siliguri, for Tripura on Thursday, as a part of an animal exchange programme.
In turn, a pair of lions, leopard cats and langurs will reach from Tripura to the Siliguri park here soon.
The Bengal forest department is set to introduce a lion safari at the park in association with the Sepahijala Zoological Park in Tripura.
“Along with the tigers and leopards, we sent two pairs of hill mynahs, two peacocks and 14 pheasants to the Sepahijala Zoological Park in Tripura yesterday (Thursday). In exchange, we will get a pair of lions, a pair of leopard cats, and three spectacled langurs,” said an official at the park.
Located off NH10, the park is a major attraction for local residents and tourists.
With two tigers sent to Tripura, nine are left in the park now.
A couple of days back, the assistant director of the zoological park in Tripura, who is also a veterinary doctor, reached here to escort the tigers and other animals to his state.
“The official of the Tripura zoo and an assistant veterinary officer of the Bengal park are travelling with the animals. All the animals were transported in an ambulance with life support, strictly monitored by Siliguri Metropolitan Police. Also, police chiefs of all districts in Bengal, Assam and Tripura, the route of the animals, have been kept informed,” the official added.
Once the animals reach Tripura, an initiative will be taken in another two-three days to send the lions and other animals to the park here.
“The open-air enclosure, including the safari area and night shelter of lions, will be spread over 20 hectares in the park. Currently, we are readying the night shelter. Then, a senior official will inspect the facility. Once he gives a clearance, the lions will be shifted to the enclosure for public display. However, on arrival, all animals will be quarantined so that they can acclimatise themselves with the new environment,” said a source.
