Ayodhya, a rhino who was born in 1992 and was named by Delhi Zoo authorities — is now at the centre of a tussle between the Delhi and the Patna Zoo. The reason for the tussle is that the Delhi Zoo authorities who loaned the 24-year-old rhinoceros to the Patna Zoo want him back but the Patna Zoo is refusing to send him back, at least not without a few conditions. The 'dispute' over this valued rhino goes back to last year. Delhi Zoo officials say that when the lone male rhinoceros died a few years ago, they decided to bring back Ayodhya from the Patna Zoo. Zoo officials say they wanted Ayodhya for the two lone mother-daughter rhinoceros, Anju and Manju as it is essential for their mating and breeding programme. "We have many endangered species in the Zoo and it is really important to mate them, and continue their breeding programs," said a zoo official on condition of anonymity. "We have asked Patna Zoo to give us one male rhino so that we can get these female rhinos mated, but they are asking for one of our females in return. They already have 10 rhinos, they don't need more," he added. Zoo officials say that they are happy to give back Ayodhya but not before a list of their own demands are met. "We have asked for a female rhino and three Sangai (Brow Antler) deer in return," said Nand Kishore, Director, Patna Zoo. Delhi Zoo has many single animals who are in desperate need of a partner. Zoo officials say there is a single male Cape Buffalo since the last four years; a single male Cassowary bird from Australia for the last 15 years; and a single Jaguar.

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