known for its lion safaris, the Bannerghatta National Park in Karnataka will now be home to 100 lions and tigers. They will be acquired from circuses. This follows the Supreme Court ban on the use of animals for public entertainment.

About 70 lions and 30 tigers will be housed in the 162-hectare land earmarked for the national park. They are part of the 500-odd animals that will be taken over by the zoo authorities from circus operators across the country and relocated in national parks in seven states.

Principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) S K Chakrabarty said the facilities to house the animals as prescribed by the zoo guidelines will be ready within the next six months. In this regard, Rs 2 crore has been released by the Central Zoo Authority, he said, adding that Rs 1 crore will be needed every year to look after these animals.