Release of native born tiger cubs to Tiger enclosure, science show and astronomy shows to be held in Pilikula

A host of events, including release of two native-born tiger cubs to the tiger enclosure in Pilikula Biological Park, are scheduled to be held in the Dr. K. Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama, between December 24 and January 4, as part of Karavali Utsava.

Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and in-charge Commissioner of Pilikula Development Authority Arun Kumar Shetty said a male and a female cubs were born to 13-year-old tigress Rani on December 20, 2024. After taking care of the cubs in the cage for a year, the two will be released to the enclosure of the park on December 21.

Dr. Shetty said a private firm has come forward to adopt the two cubs. Naming of the two cubs will be done after completion on the adoption process.

An exhibition of products of local artisans, stalls related to local food delicacies, and cultural programme will be part of ‘Pilikula Parba’ to be held from December 24 to 28 at the Urban Haat. Exhibition of handicrafts and other products from artisans from across the country will be held as part of ‘Gandhi Shilpa Bazaar’ at Urban Haat between December 24 and 30.

At the biological park, a treasure hunt related to wild animals will be held on December 25. Visitors will be taken on an hour-long trip in the morning and evening on December 27 to show birds in the area. There will also be awareness programme about snakes on December 28.

The Regional Science Centre will hold fun science show on December 29, which will be followed by science quiz for students on December 30. Water rocket demonstration will be held on January 1, 2026, while a drone show demonstration will be held on January 2, 2026. A live astronomy show will be held at the planetarium on December 31.

Dr. Shetty said Yakshagana Puppetry show by Shri Gopalakrishna Yakshagaana Bombeyata Sangha of Kasaragod will be held at Samskruti Grama of the misarghadhama on December 28 at 6 p.m.

There will be exhibition and sale of saplings of different plants and trees at the Botanical Garden from December 20 to January 4.

Dr. Shetty said from December 20 to January 4, the combo pack entry fee for all the facilities in the nisargadhama will be ₹125 for an adult, which was 50% of the normal combo pack fee of ₹250. There will be regular movement of KSRTC buses between State Bank and nisarghadhama during the period, he said.