There is some good news on the rhino front. The Delhi Zoo authorities are confident that Shiva, a one-horned rhino procured from Mumbai, has not only recovered from his wound but also stands a good chance of entering into a relationship with two female rhinos.
Shiva, in his mid-thirties, can mate with either of two one-horned rhinos — Maheshwari and Anjuga.
“There is a specified age for every rhino or for that matter every inmate in the zoo to mate. Shiva is getting old, he cannot wait indefinitely. However, we are hopeful that Shiva would mate,” said veterinary officer Panneer Selvam.
When the Delhi Zoo officials had gone to Mumbai last October to bring Shiva to Delhi, he developed a chronic wound in his horn. “After medication, the wound is healing,” added Dr. Selvam.
Since inmates take time to get used to the new surroundings, Shiva was given the diet he was given at the Mumbai Zoo.
“For some time, we did not alter his diet. Gradually, we have changed the diet, which is given to the other two rhinos,” added the veterinarian.
Zoo authorities say several attempts failed in the past to find a mate for Shiva from other zoos.
Interestingly, Shiva was brought to the Mumbai Zoo from Assam in 1985. He soon became a favourite of the animal lovers but was not lucky to get a mate
Since it was important to fulfil Shiva’s behavioural, biological and psychological needs, the Central Zoo Authorities issued instructions that he be transported to the Delhi Zoo.
“The Kaziranga National Park is famous for its one-horned rhinos. In fact, India has only one-horned rhinos. Only Africa has two horned- rhinos,” said Dr. Selvam.
