Daijiworld Media Network–Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Jun 3: A Dubai based entrepreneur Michael D'Souza has adopted four tiger cubs, born to Nethravati, the Royal Bengal tigress about two months ago.
Addressing the press meet, director of Pilikula Biological Park, H Jayaprakash Bhandary said, “Michael D'Souza, a businessman from Dubai, has adopted four tiger cubs. He also paid Rs 5,00,000 for maintenance of these cubs.”
Amar, Akbar, Antony and Nisha
Nethravati
“As it was announced earlier, the person who adopts has the right to name the cubs and Michael D'Souza has named the four cubs as Amar, Akbar, Antony and the female cub as Nisha. These cubs were born to 9-year old royal Bengal tigress, Nethravati. “Meanwhile, another tiger Kumar born at Pilikula has been adopted by Prashanth Shet, the proprietor of S L Shet Jewellers and M/s Navarathna Group of hotels, Mangaluru. He paid a sum of Rs 2,00,000 towards its maintenance.” he added.
Michael D'Souza
“Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim has taken keen interest in maintenance of the zoo. There is no government budget for the maintenance,” the director said.
It is said that Nethravati was born under captivity in the park about nine years ago and has earlier given birth to two cubs Akshay and Manju in 2014 and another cub Krishna in 2011. These cubs were adopted by the then minister J Krishna J Palemar. Later they were given to Surat Zoo under an animal exchange programme.