Special attraction! Shivamogga to have rare gaur safari soon

Shivamogga: Shivamogga, which is  home to the Tyavarekoppa tiger and lion safari, could soon have a new attraction with the  Zoo Authority of Karnataka's proposal for a gaur safari at Tyavarekoppa receiving the approved of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), New Delhi.

Tyvarekoppa, which  has offered a tiger and lion safari for over two decades,  recently introduced a herbivorous safari as well featuring black bucks brought from Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysuru,  spotted deer, Nilgai and other animals.

But the gaur safari is likely to prove a special attraction as it is possibly the first of its kind in the country,  says Mr B.P. Ravi, Member-Secretary ,  Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK).

“Gaurs are found in enclosures at  the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens but an exclusive safari for them is  rare,” he explains,  

Although the plan has not been finalised yet, Tyavarekoppa officials hope to accommodate around eight gaurs, both male and female, in the safari, which will be spread across 30 hectares of land with natural vegetation and water holes.

It will take about Rs 1.25 crore to establish the safari at Tyavarekoppa, according to the officials concerned. If things goes according to plan, it could be ready for visitors in the next couple of months, they reveal.