Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 25: Twelve bird species at Pilikula Biological Park are living without mates, leaving staff concerned about their well-being.
The park, home to more than 1,000 animals and birds, currently has several species waiting for companions. According to information shared by officials, the solitary 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, purple turaco and silver pheasant.
Animal keepers said many animals show signs of stress or depression when left without companions, making them difficult to manage. One staff member noted that the Egyptian vulture at the zoo has been without a mate for three years. As per Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines, no animal or bird should be kept without a mate for more than six months, and arrangements must be made immediately if one is missing, wildlife worker Dinesh Holla said.
A bird expert from Kasargod, said some solitary birds experience severe stress, which can even turn fatal. Citing examples such as the white-bellied sea eagle and Malabar grey hornbill, he said certain species do not accept new partners easily, making pairing extremely challenging.
Pilikula Development Authority sources said that efforts are under way to source mates under the animal exchange programme and awaiting approval from CZA.
They added that some rescued injured birds cannot be released back into the wild, and finding suitable partners for them is especially difficult.