Hyderabad zoo begins effort to breed Indian one-horned rhinos

HYDERABAD:  After successful breeding of Indian wolves and dholes, the Nehru Zoological Park has taken up the challenge of pairing its Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, Suraj and Saraswati, in the hope of a new calf.

Earlier this year, the zoo recorded its first wolf litter of five pups, following a similar success with a pair of dholes, or Indian wild dogs, that had five pups last year. These young animals are now on display.

Monitoring Saraswati’s oestrus cycle

Zoo authorities said the attempt to breed rhinos is more complex. “Saraswati must be in the right stage of oestrus. If she is not receptive, Suraj will have to run for safety, as females can turn aggressive,” Director of Zoos, Sunil Hiremath, said.

Saraswati and Suraj are not new to each other. They earlier produced calves Prema and Nanda. When Saraswati was brought from Patna zoo, she was already pregnant and later gave birth to Sai Vijay, who is now on display.

Breeding in secure kraal

To facilitate natural mating, Saraswati has been shifted to a large secure enclosure (kraal) away from public view. Suraj is being fed sugarcane, bananas and select grasses as he waits for signs of Saraswati’s readiness.

Rhino keeper Praveen said Suraj can detect chemical signals in Saraswati’s urine that indicate her mating stage. “If she is not ready and he is released, she can injure him. We are keeping close watch,” he said.

If successful, Saraswati may give birth to her fourth calf in about 15–16 months. After mating, male and female rhinos separate, and the female raises the calf alone.

Zoo’s track record

“We have had quite a successful run in breeding different species in recent years and hope to succeed with rhinos too,” Hiremath added.