CZAI selects Rajkot Zoo for lion breeding programme

Rajkot, Mar 15 (UNI) The Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) has selected the Rajkot Zoo for the Lion breeding Programme.

Zoo Superintendent M G Maradia told UNI that at present there are about 80 lions in captivity at various Zoos in the country and half of them are at Junagadh's Sakkarbaugh zoo.

In Rajkot Zoo, there are four female and two male lions along with five new born cubs, he said, adding the zoo already has successfully bred lions and tigers in captivity.

Dr Maradia said the CZAI will provide 100 per cent grant for the lion breeding programme.

As per the National Zoo Policy, the main objective of zoos is to strengthen the national efforts in conservation of biodiversity of the country, particularly the endanagered wild animal species.

The CZAI will also fund the creation of the breeding facilities and provide technical manpower for the programme, Dr Maradia said.

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