Lahore Zoo to build nests for ‘shy’ birds

Also plans to monitor habits, routines of breeds through microchips

LAHORE: In an effort to resolve the issues associated with the breeding of exotic birds, the administration is building different types of nests, stated Lahore Zoo Director Hassan Ali Sukhera.

Macaws, grey parrots and several other species are unable to breed in extremely vast, open spaces or in areas heavily populated with humans. For these shy creatures, special nests are going to be built which will be located at the very top of the aviaries and cages, he informed.

Further, he revealed that they were rebuilding the aviaries in such a manner so that the environment of the cage can mimic the bird’s environment in the wild. Local schools in the area will provide the necessary funds for this purpose, he stated.

We will also use a special microchip to monitor the habits and the routine of special breeds, such as parrots, pheasants, peacocks and partridges. The data obtained will help us study these creatures so that we are better informed on how to breed them as well as take effective measures for their health, he expressed.

“We will most likely begin embedding the microchips from next month. For this project, we will seek the expertise and cooperation of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF),” he added.

Some species are naturally very shy, which becomes a hurdle in the breeding process, said Lahore Zoo Veterinarian Rizwan Ahmed. Even if they are domesticated, their cages are inside people’s homes; places where there is very little movement and noise, he articulated.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2018.