Two little tiger Cubs 'Abhay' & 'Aryan' become part of Punjab's Chhatbir Zoo

Reaffirming the commitment to wildlife conservation in Punjab, Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Wednesday released two little tiger cubs from intensive care into the ‘Kraal’ (semi-open enclosure) at Chhatbir Zoo.

These cubs, named Abhay and Aryan, were born to white tigress Gauri and yellow tiger Arjun on Diwali night at 12 AM on October 31, 2024. The cubs are in good health and will be introduced to the public enclosure after receiving their final vaccination dose.

On this occasion, the Minister also inaugurated several new facilities at the zoo. These include a newly constructed veterinary hospital, offices for the Senior Veterinary Officer and Veterinary Officer, dedicated rooms for veterinary staff, two laboratories, a dispensary, a research room, a pantry, and two washrooms.

Additionally, a new service circulation path was inaugurated to ensure the smooth transport of feed and fodder to animal enclosures.

A visitor pathway, spanning 800 meters in length and 4 meters in width, has also been developed to enhance public accessibility. Further improvements include two night shelters for watchmen on duty and the unveiling of the Punjab Zoos Development Society (PZDS) logo.

During his visit, the Minister reviewed ongoing projects such as the parking stand for wildlife safari buses, a visitor shelter near the lion safari canteen, the crocodile enclosure, a parking stand for battery-operated vehicles, and a feeding platform for ungulates in the deer safari area.

Chhatbir Zoo frequently organizes educational and awareness programs to foster compassion for wildlife. Events like blood donation camps, the "Run for Wild" race, and zoo education programs engage children, youth, and the broader community in promoting empathy and conservation efforts for wild animals.

Key officials present at the event included Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, Field Director of Chhatbir Zoo Neeraj Kumar, and Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Sagar Setia.