LAHORE, April 19: The Lahore Zoo has planned to shift 73 confiscated exotic birds to various wildlife parks with a hope that they will start breeding there. According to the zoo management, the main reason for the shifting of these birds -- African Grey Parrot and Rosella -- is that the zoo does not have the kind of housing facilities required for their proper breeding.

“These parrots are shy breeders. For proper breeding they need privacy and certain specific size of cages. Such kind of space is not available at the Lahore Zoo at present but certain wildlife parks can provide this facility,” Zoo Director Zahid Iqbal told Dawn.

Mr Iqbal said because of the time consumed in disposal of court cases pertaining to the confiscation of these birds, their stay at the zoo was prolonged. Now as the cases had been decided and the birds had become property of the Punjab Wildlife Department, they need to be housed at such places where they could breed.

According to wildlife experts, the ideal size of the cage for a pair is 6x4 feet to achieve best breeding results.

The experts say that none of the existing parks or zoos has proper facilities to house these birds for breeding purpose. They are of the view that there should be some centralised facility for housing confiscated birds because often such birds are kept at different zoos and parks as 'guests' for even months till the court decides their fate.

Mr Iqbal believes that shifting of these birds to other parks will help multiplying their number. He says Lahore Zoo has been taking care of these birds for about a year.

African Grey Parrot is a medium-sized bird found in the primary and secondary rainforests of West and Central Africa. Experts regard it as one of the most intelligent birds. They feed primarily on palm nuts, seeds, fruits, leafy matter, and rarely snails. Their overall gentle nature and their inclination and ability to mimic speech has made them popular pets.

Rosella are found in Germany and considered the best among fancy birds.