Ranchi: If Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park has its way, the zoo in Ormanjhi on the outskirts of the state capital may add a white tiger couple to its menagerie this winter.

The authorities here have agreed to send three ostriches in exchange to Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, and the two animal parks have, a week ago, submitted their consents to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). A nod is awaited.

Birsa zoo director Ashok Kumar said the white tigers, which are a pigmentation variant of the Bengal tiger, would be brought from Bilaspur in exchange of a male ostrich and two females. "The CZA approval is expected by November-end. A team will then visit Kanan Pendari zoo," he added.

Currently, Birsa zoo has three tigers - two males and a female - and a dozen ostriches, including nine chicks.

Vet Ajay Kumar said ostriches - flightless birds native to Africa - had a good growth record in their zoo. "Last year, there were only three adult ostriches. Now, we have a flock of 12. Nine chicks were born in 10 months. We have, therefore, decided to bring the white tigers in exchange of ostriches," he said.

According to the vet, they planned to bring big cats below two years of age. "We want the white tiger population to increase through our breeding programme and hence, age is important," he added.

Located around 25km from the heart of the capital, the 104 hectares Birsa zoo is currently home to 1,100 animals and birds, including vulnerable species like the hippopotamus.