Tirupati: The long-awaited Nocturnal House at Sri Venkateswara (SV) Zoological Park, Tirupati, is set to become a reality shortly, thanks to the significant funding boost that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has provided.
TTD had already given Rs 6 crore for the purpose. It has now approved an additional Rs 4 crore for the project.
According to SV Zoo Park curator C. Selvam, structural work at the nocturnal house, including construction of 18 cells, has already been completed. The new funds will be used to add finishing touches, such as elevations, background, lighting and other essential features.
"Tenders have been approved to complete the remaining work, which is expected to begin by the end of this month," the curator told Deccan Chronicle. According to him, the nocturnal house project could be completed in six to seven months.
The nocturnal house will be spread over nearly three hectares, exhibiting a variety of nocturnal species, including civet cats, owls, bats and jungle cats. Each of the 18 cells will be dedicated to a different species.
The nocturnal house features a specialised lighting system that reverses the day-night cycle. This unique setup will allow daytime visitors to observe nocturnal behaviour of these elusive creatures in an environment closely resembling their natural habitat.
"The enclosures will be designed to resemble the natural habitats of these species. The lighting patterns will mimic their natural routines," Selvan explained.
Interestingly, TTD's involvement in the project is to fulfil the devasthanams’ specific requirement – the musk-like aromatic secretion of civet cats. This secretion is a crucial component in the rituals carried out at the sacred hill top temple.
In the past, the devasthanam used to maintain civet cats at its dairy farm to collect their musk-like secretion used in presiding deity Lord Venkateswara's Abhishekam, conducted every Friday.
However, latest regulations prohibit captive breeding of civet cats. This has led to the devasthanam transferring its civets to the SV Zoo.
“This has prompted TTD to fund construction of the nocturnal house, where civet cats too will be staying," a TTD official disclosed.
