12 bird species at Pilikula Zoo live alone, awaiting companions
Solitary species at zoos often show signs of depression, are harder to manage: Activists
Mangaluru: Amid the vibrant life of Pilikula Biological Park, home to over 1,000 animals and birds, 12 bird species are quietly enduring loneliness, kept without companions, raising concerns about their welfare and the challenges of pairing captive birds.
According to the Pilikula Biological Park’s inventory, as cited by The New Indian Express on Tuesday, the lone birds include the White‑Bellied Sea Eagle, White Scavenger Vulture, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Cockatoo Galah, Sri Lankan Bay Owl, Grey Horned Owl, Blue Rock Pigeon, Fantail Pigeon, Black Swan, Green Turaco, Violet Turaco, and Silver Pheasant.
Activists quoted in the report warn that animals kept without mates often show signs of depression and are harder to manage. One activist also claimed that an Egyptian Vulture has had no companion in the zoo for three years.
“As per the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines, no animal or bird should be kept without a companion for more than six months, and if not, they must arrange a companion,” TNIE quoted Dinesh Holla, a wildlife activist, as saying.
Raju Kidoor, a conservationist and bird expert, emphasised the emotional stress caused to certain species. He said that White‑Bellied Sea Eagles and Malabar Grey Hornbills are highly family‑oriented birds. “Without companions, we cannot get to see their usual activities. They do not change their companion, hence finding a pair for such birds is not easy,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
Dr Arun Shetty, Commissioner of the Pilikula Development Authority, confirmed that the zoo has submitted a proposal to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) under its animal‑exchange programme to bring in suitable partners for the solitary birds.
He added that some of these birds are rescues that cannot be released into the wild, which makes finding mates more challenging.
On a positive note, Shetty shared that the zoo recently received around 15 new animals through the programme. “The sloth bear at the zoo was without a companion for more than a year. Now, under the animal exchange program, we managed to get a pair of sloth bears. Similarly, we are trying to get mates for other solo animals and birds,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
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11-year-old dies by suicide after sexual assault in Bareilly; accused arrested
Bareilly (UP) (PTI): A 26-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl, who later died by suicide due to trauma, police said on Wednesday.
The post-mortem report confirmed sexual assault and multiple injuries on the minor's body, including bite marks and nail scratches. The cause of death was found to be hanging, they said.
According to ASP (South) Anshika Verma, the incident came to light on 27 April, when the girl, a Class 8 student, was found hanging at her home in Deoria Abdullaganj village under the Mirganj police station area. Initially, the family reported the death as suicide and was reluctant to pursue police action.
"The autopsy report changed the course of the investigation. It confirmed sexual assault and noted severe physical trauma. The cause of death was confirmed as hanging," Verma said.
A breakthrough in the case came from the statement of the victim's younger sister, who told police that the accused, Zeeshan (26), a resident of the same village, frequently loitered near the minor's school and allegedly gave her small sums of money to keep his interactions with her a secret, she said.
Police said that on the day of the incident, the accused allegedly lured the minor and assaulted her. Distressed by the incident, the child later took her own life while her mother was away, police said.
"Based on technical surveillance, CCTV footage, and statements from the family, we established Zeeshan's involvement. He was arrested near the Mirganj weekly market on Tuesday," they said.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
