New-Born Male Gaur Calf Named After Tribal Leader 'Komaram Bheem' Dropped By Hyderabad Zoo

Keeping in view the sentiments of the family and followers of the Gond tribal leader, The Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad announced on June 8 that is it dropping 'Komaram Bheem' as the name of baby gaur calf born on the occasion of Telangana Formation Day i.e. June 2.

Newborn gaur calf with its mother - @nehruzoopark1

Hyderabad: A male gaur calf was born in the Zoo on June 2, the day that Telangana celebrates its formation day. NZP Curator Subhadra Devi said it was named as Komaram Bheem as a mark of respect to the legendary hero of the tribals who fought against Nizams of Hyderabad for liberation and rights of the marginalised poor of Telangana.

The gaur, also known as the Indian bison, is a strong and massively built bovine, and one of the largest members of the Bovidae family. The mighty megaherbivore calf was christened after the tribal hero as a mark of respect.

After certain sections of the press reported that the naming of the calf has offended the family members and followers of the legendary hero, the Zoo curator said, "It is clarified that the naming was meant as a mark of respect, and no disrespect was intended. However, keeping the sentiments of the family and followers of the legend, the name 'Komaram Bheem' is dropped," she said.

The Zoo authorities had on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5 announced birth of the gaur and an one horned rhinoceros. While the gaur calf was born on June 2, one horned rhinoceros was born a fortnight ago.

Telangana's Principal Chief Conservator of forests R. Sobha had announced that gaur calf was named 'Komaram Bheem' and the one-horned rhinoceros was named 'Nanda'.