Amar, Akbar, Antony, Nisha purr at Pilikula

Four tiger cubs at the Pilikula Biological Park, aged about two-and-a half months, have been adopted by Michael D'Souza, a businessman from Abu Dhabi by paying an adoption fee of Rs 5,00,000 for their maintenance. He also enjoyed the privilege of naming them. He named three of the male cubs Amar, Akbar and Antony, and christened the female one Nisha.The cubs were born to 9-year-old Netravathi and Vikram, 14, on March 19.
HJ Bhandary, director, Pilikula Biological Park, said another tiger Kumar born in the park was adopted by Prashanth Shet, owner of SL Shet Jewellers and Ms Navaratna Group of Hotels, Mangaluru. He paid Rs 2 lakh for its maintenance.
The district administration is taking keen interest in the maintenance of the zoo, which enjoys no government budget. “We are looking at three other sponsors. Since the total number of tigers in the park is 11 (including two female), we are also getting inquiries from other zoos. We want to keep 5-6 tigers here and give away the rest to other zoos. Because of the good habitat, animal breeding is good here.
Works on more enclosures is on. Since there is no government funding and Pilikula is a large category zoo, we depend on funds got through entrance fee, sponsors and adoption,“ Bhandary said.