(IN): Nesting time at Nandankanan zoo

July 5, 2007

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2010:27:00%20AM

*Nesting time at Nandankanan zoo*

Sampad Mahapatra

Thursday, July 5, 2007 (Orrisa)

As monsoon clouds gather in the sky, flocks of open-billed storks congregate

beside the Gharial pond in Nandankanan zoo to build treetop nests, twig by

twig.

From these nests will emerge a whole new generation in just five weeks as

both the male and the female stork share the job of guarding the eggs.

The birds are at peace with the surroundings, be it the zoo visitors or the

ferocious looking Gharial crocodiles down below.

''After the super cyclone of 1999 the open-billed storks have started coming

to Nandankanan Zoo for mass-nesting. Their number is increasing every year.

It's the sense of security they get here that draws them to this place,''

said Ajit Patnaik, Director, Nandankanan Zoo.

Monsoon is also breeding time for the Gharials. There are 25 adult and 30

juvenile Gharials already and 30 to 40 hatchlings come out every monsoon.

But only a few survive in the fierce competition from adults for space and

food.

What makes their ritual of procreation so very important is the fact that

Gharials are a highly endangered species.

But survival of the babies is of little concern for these birds and

crocodiles. They will always respond to the call of the monsoon and

reproduce, as they must.

That is truly the spirit of monsoon of celebrating life through procreation

irrespective what it means in the long run.

--

Fight captive Jumbo abuse, end Elephant Polo

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