Feather in the cap with a fascinating show

KOCHI:Pets always hold a great fascination among children. Even adults are not immune to their cuteness. So the steady stream of visitors from all walks of life at the Aqua-Pets-Agri and Consumer show which is on at Marine Drive wasn't a surprise. Besides the birds and animals, the organisers have brought in robotic animals, which have been stationed at the entrance adding to the children's delight.

The cacophony of chirps, screeches, honks, barks and bleating greets pet enthusiasts who make a beeline to the show in search of rarely seen creatures in their menagerie. Birds and animals of all hues and shapes are available at the different stalls set up by various pet shops from in and around the city.

According to Sanu, a convener of the show, the most pricey species on sale is the scarlet macaw. "The king of parrots is priced at Rs 4.5 lakh," he said. Preening around in its cage, the bird, a native of Argentina, draws the biggest crowd.

"Although only one bird has been brought to the show, we have more in our farm if customers approach us showing interest in buying them," he said. And if the advance bookings the organisers have received is any indication, it can be safely assumed that nearly all the birds and animals will find a loving home by the time the show ends.

Sanu said, "So far, we have received a total of 16 advance payments. Most of the bookings are for macaws, lori, pheasant and other small parrots." Stocks are available until the last day which is April 15, he added.

The visitors seem endlessly thrilled at the amazing varieties of birds and animals. "I appreciate the timing they choose to conduct the show. Since it is the vacations, kids can enjoy the show. They usually get to see these animals only on TV. The live experience is something they will cherish forever," said Jyothi Haridas, social worker associated with an NGO. The organisers said the number of visitors this year has increased compared to last year.

Stars of the show

The parrots: Beauty and brains

King among the parrots is the macaw. The bird is a native of Argentina and commands a price of Rs 4.5 lakh. It starts breeding at the age of four and has a lifespan of 40-50 years. Around 20 varieties of parrots were exhibited.

Among them chattering lori and rainbow lori from Indonesia were the winners with children. Chattering loris have a red body with green wings and orange peak. The male bird has a dark reddish coloured back. Rainbow lori, as its name suggests, is awash with colours. The male and female can be differentiated only with the help of their DNA. They have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years and are priced at Rs 60,000. The other varieties are the cockatoos and the African grey parrot which is a kind of a nerd with the ability to memorise 2,000 words.

Pheasants: What's the weather like?

Six varieties are exhibited. Natives of China and Germany, these birds are like climatic monitors and can sense disasters like tsunami and earthquake.

Reptiles: On a scale of one to intriguing

The Mexican chameleon and iguana too had their enthusiasts. A mature iguana is 12 feet long and weighs 20 to 25 kg. It is very friendly and is a herbivore. It belongs to the family of

lizards. They are green in colour and lays 60 eggs a year.

Goats: Gentle giants

The Bhoottapoori and Bheetal varieties of goat from Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh too are an attraction. They are amazingly big, weighing in at 180 kg. They consume less fodder and give three litres of milk. Jamnapyari and Karooli are also a part of the exhibition.

Dogs: Take a bow

Seven varieties of dogs from different countries are on display, including the Afghan hound, Saint Bernard of Switzerland, Siberian husky and Rajapalayam. Their rates range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 80,000.

Aquatic animals: Fishing for compliments

Fifty varieties of fish are exhibited, among which the alligator fish and pirana were new to the show. The alligator fish has a mouth similar to its namesake. Pirana weighs 200 grams. "This fish moves in shoals and can finish off a man in three minutes," said Sanu.

Besides these animals, there are different varieties of Persian cats, 30 varieties of doves, cows and horses at the show. Different types of cactus, lily and seeds of vegetable plants too are on sale.