Amid the gloom of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown, a rhino breeding-cum-conservation centre has begun in Patna Zoo. Photo: Mohd Imran KhanTwo rhinos, Ganesh and Lali have been released into the enclosure with the express aim of getting them to mate and increasing the population of the species, which is critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Species or IUCN. Photo: Mohd Imran Khan The two rhinos have been provided with as natural a habitat as possible including a night house, a forest area and an open arena. The breeding area also has a marshy patch, a lake, and grassland. The idea is to increase the chances of the the rhinos for mating, according to officials at the zoo. Photo: Mohd Imran KhanThe rhino breeding centre is spread over an area of 2.5 acres of land between the new lake and the jungle trail area, according to the Patna Zoo director, Amit Kumar. Its foundation stone was laid in 2017. It can accommodate nearly 20 rhinoceroses. The zoo currently has 11 rhinos including 6 females and 5 males. Photo: Mohd Imran KhanThe breeding centre will not be open to the public so as not to disturb the rhinos. All arrangements are being made for their safety. Photo: Mohd Imran Khan