Mangaluru: Pilikula Biological Park, renowned for its conservation initiatives, welcomed a pair of endangered wolves from a zoo in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This move, executed under the animal exchange program, aims to safeguard the near-extinct species.
HJ Bhandary, the Director of Pilikula Biological Park, elaborated on the recent additions in a press release, stating, "The park has successfully introduced various species through the animal exchange program. Marmoset and tamarin monkeys from Central and South America, blue-gold macaque monkeys from Mexico, galah cockatoos from Australia, and turaco monkeys from Southern Africa have found a home here."
The park, which already hosts 1,200 diverse species of animals, birds, and reptiles, intends to expand its biodiversity further. Bhandary revealed plans to introduce more fauna to Pilikula, enhancing the park's conservation efforts.
Addressing the welfare of the newly arrived animals, Bhandary highlighted, "The Reliance Foundation has generously donated Rs 1 crore to construct a suitable enclosure for the recently acquired animals. Our priority is to create an environment resembling their natural habitat, ensuring their comfort. Additionally, the park now features a feeding center and breeding box, provided free of charge by the Life Science Education Trust, Bengaluru."





Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday staged a statewide protest demanding a fair and transparent inquiry into the FIR lodged against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and those who filed the complaint against him.
In a statement issued here, the party said memorandums addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted through district magistrates in all districts of the state.
Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi told PTI that the memorandums were handed over through the district administration in all 75 districts.
In the memorandum, the party alleged that Saraswati and his disciples were "unnecessarily harassed and humiliated" by police on the occasion of Amavasya and were prevented from taking a ritual bath (at the Magh Mela). It further alleged that some disciples were manhandled and taken to a police station.
The memorandum also claimed that an FIR was later registered against Saraswati, his disciple Swami Mukundanand Brahmachari and several unidentified persons in a sexual harassment case. It termed the case a "conspiracy" aimed at tarnishing the seer's reputation.
Citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, the memorandum stated that these provisions guarantee religious freedom and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.
It described the position of shankaracharya held by Saraswati as "one of the highest spiritual posts in Sanatan tradition" and alleged that the entire episode appeared to have been "orchestrated in a planned manner".
"We request that the background of the persons who got the FIR registered be investigated in a transparent manner by a retired high court judge and strict action be taken against them," the memorandum said.
It also sought a "fair and transparent probe" into the allegations levelled against Saraswati so that the truth could be established.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had told reporters in Varanasi after meeting Saraswati that the party stood firmly with him.
The Congress said it would continue to press for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode.
On February 21, an FIR was lodged in Prayagraj against Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari on charges of sexually abusing two persons, including a minor, over the past year at a gurukul and religious congregations, including the recently concluded Magh Mela.
Days after he was booked, Saraswati had said on Monday that he would not oppose his arrest and asserted that the "fabricated story" would be exposed sooner or later.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Saraswati alleged that criminals rule in Uttar Pradesh, level allegations and influence investigations, as he denied having any contact with the two persons for whose alleged sexual abuse he has been booked.
