White tigers released for tourists benefit in Van Vihar

Category: Bhopal
Posted On Saturday, May 23, 2009
Bhopal Today Team
Bhopal, May 23

For Information About White Tigers Visit: http://www.bigcatrescue.or/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm

In Van Vihar National Park several programmes are organised from time to time. The Van Vihar authorities organise bird watching and Safari Ride for children. In these programmes children along with their parents take part. Whenever such programmes organised, large number of people takes part. Van Vihar is a home for several species of animals and we can watch them relaxing, playing and grazing freely. People visit here in groups and enjoy various activities of animals in natural environment. Animals have their different life. Like us, they need love, affection and care. The animal lovers of state capital can fulfill their animal love by adopting any animal of their choice. The Van Vihar authorities have started adopting animals since January this year. The residents of Bhopal have shown their keen interest in this regard. Till now many animals have been adopted in Van Vihar by the people and industrial houses and people are still in race for this noble cause.

Recently two white tigers and one panther were released in Van Vihar. On Saturday they were released in a big enclosure where visitors can look at them. One white tigress and female panther have been adopted by the known personalities of the state capital. This was very important event for the people of state capital. Though the Van Vihar is a house for many rare and endangered birds and animals, but it was lacking white tigers since a long time. But now after receiving a pair of white tigers this hallow part is filled.

Forest Minister Rajendra Shukla released these tigers for public view by lifting the gate of the housing. As soon as they were released, they were happy and started activities in joy by running and playing. These white tigers were brought from Nandankanan Zoological Park. The people present in Van Vihar to witness the moment started clapping and appreciating the beauty of these animals. People accompanied by their children were seen in great enthusiasm. At first tigress Lalita was released from cage and certificate of adoption was presented to the owner. Later female panther Mohini and tiger Bhagat were released in other enclosure. In this regard Van Vihar National Park Director SS Rajput said that this was their greatest achievement. ‘Earlier we were had white tigress but she died due to medical reasons. Today we are feeling happy that we are having pair of white tigers in our National Park. We want to bring awareness in people regarding wildlife and we want to bring people more close to the animals. That’s why we have started adoption scheme for the animal lovers. With this people will come more close to the animals and they will develop affection and love for them. The number of visitors is increasing in Van Vihar day by day. We should also promote awareness for wildlife among the children. Van Vihar is giving best facility to the visitors’, he said.

The history of white tigers is linked to Madhya Pradesh. The first white tiger cub was caught by Maharaja of Rewa in the year 1951 and was kept in Gobindgarh Fort. The ruler of Rewa named him as `Mohan’. In 1958 first off springs of white tigers were born in captivity and its generation is spread around the world now. In 1995 first white tigress was brought to Van Vihar National Park from Nandankanan Park. She was brought at the age of three years.

Since January 2009 animal lovers and various organisations have adopted 15 animals. The Van Vihar has received Rs 7,30,220 as adoption fee.

Under this adoption scheme the amount spent on adoption is free from Income Tax Act under Section 80. A person who had adopted animal in Van Vihar can visit here five times a month and that will be free of cost. He can also bring six members with him.

The others who present on the occasion were Principal Secretary (Forest) Prashant Mehta, chief conservator forest Dr PB Gangopadhya, chief wildlife warden Dr HS Pawala, director Van Vihar SS Rajput and large number of forest staff

http://www.centralchronicle.com/viewnews.asp?articleID=7853

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