After talks lasting over five years, the Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru received its first giraffe from the famed Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysuru.
The giraffe, named Gauri, is just two years and two months old and currently stands at a little over 12 feet. A Mysuru native, she was born to Krishnaraja and Lakshmi, two other giraffes that inhabit the zoo.
However, Gauri was not the zoo’s first choice to be sent to Bannerghatta. "We were initially supposed to give another four-year-old giraffe – Babli – but she was not comfortable," said C Ravishankar, executive director of the Mysuru Zoo.
According to The Times of India, Gauri was transported to Bannerghatta in a 12-wheel low-bed trailer in a journey that covered nearly 200 km and took close to eight hours.
Prior to this, the zoo conducted road surveys to ensure the giraffe’s unencumbered and safe passage. Branches along the way were cut wherever necessary and the electricity department was requested by the zoo to switch off power during the journey. The giraffe was accompanied by veterinarians from the Mysuru Zoo as well as the Bannerghatta Biological Park.
"This giraffe is small compared to Babli so she was easy to transport," Ravishankar added.
The Bannerghatta Biological Park had requested for another male giraffe as well, but the Mysuru zoo is currently unable to meet this need.
As of now we have planned for only one giraffe. They [the Bannerghatta Biological Park] are asking for another male giraffe. But we have only one here, which we have kept for breeding purposes. So we cannot fulfil their demands," said Ravishankar.
For now it may be a while before Gauri finds herself some company.