Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): One of the two male King Cobras currently housed at Van Vihar National Park will be translocated to Indore zoo within a week for breeding purposes. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved the proposal, submitted by Indore zoo, to bring the male snake to pair with a female King Cobra already housed there.
Dr. Uttam Yadav, in-charge at Indore zoo, said that preparations have been made to accommodate the new arrival. “We have a female King Cobra that was rescued and brought here about two to three years ago. To facilitate breeding, we’re bringing in a male from Van Vihar,” he said.
However, the two snakes will not be introduced to each other immediately. Their behaviour will first be monitored separately to ensure compatibility before being placed in a shared enclosure. "Direct pairing without observation is risky in case of King Cobras," Yadav said.
To mimic reptile’s natural habitat and ensure its comfort, zoo authorities have created a special enclosure that includes a small waterfall, grassy patches and dry resting areas.
If successful, this would mark the first recorded breeding of King Cobras in captivity in Madhya Pradesh—a significant milestone in conservation efforts.
Animal exchange pact
Under an animal exchange agreement, Van Vihar had earlier received two male King Cobras from Pilikula Biological Park in Karnataka. One measures 10.5 feet and the other 9.5 feet in length. In return, Van Vihar will send a pair of tigers to Karnataka. A team from the Karnataka Forest Department is expected to visit Bhopal post-monsoon to complete the exchange.
