The longleat Safari Park of the UK will open a centre of excellence in Etawah and impart training to the employees of the lion Safari, Etawah about the management of animal world.
The decision was taken during a meeting between Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Veterinary Director of longleat Enterprises Dr Jonathan Cracknel here on Sunday.
“The two discussed possible MoU between longleat Enterprises and lion Safari, Etawah in which skill training and knowledge about animal management would be imparted to the employees of the lion safari in Etawah,” the spokesman said in a written statement issued here.
He said that longleat Enterprises will also open a centre for excellence in Etawah which will give training and basic knowledge of animal kingdom to government employees as well as common man.
longleat Enterprises runs longleat Safari and Adventure Park, first drive through safari park out side Africa. The safari park was the first of its kind anywhere in the world, and was ground breaking in terms of how captive animals are kept and viewed by the public. longleat is home to over 500 animals.
Dr Cracknel had visited the lion Safari in Etawah on January 15 and 16 and had a discussion on the condition of ailing lion Pataudi and lionees Jesica. He was satisfied with the line of treatment of two ailing animals.
Uttar Pradesh government has sought expert help from Britain to save the two remaining lions at the Etawah lion Safari after death of three lions lakshmi, Vishnu and Tapasya. They were part of five lions brought from Gujarat. The remaining two Jessica and Pataudi are suffering from babesiosis, a malaria-like disease caused by the protozoan blood parasite babesia.
"The animals are responding well to medication but we are not willing to take any chances and therefore experts have been invited to examine them," a senior official said here on Sunday.
The lion safari is one of the pet projects of Akhilesh Yadav as he wants to develop Etawah as a tourist spot. His government has been encouraging Taj Mahal visitors to visit Etawah lion Safari as well.