Pets that cost more than your high-end gadgets

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A pair of Green-winged Macaws and their cousins, Blue-and-Gold Macaws, can together cost you way more than what you would need to shell out for a brand new hatchback. Individually, at ` 2,30,000 per pair, they are still more expensive than most of your high-end gadgets. Yet, there could be few matches for the glorious green, the brilliant blue or the stunning yellow that blend in impeccable patterns on these winged wonders. The ongoing International Aqua & Pet Festival on the Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds provides the opportunity to behold exotic bird and animal varieties that testify to the inimitable magic touch of nature. Rare varieties of Love Birds such as the Fischer’s Lovebirds (Africa), and the tiny Finches (Australia) - Long Tailed and Gouldian - could be heard chattering away +endlessly while the stately Violet-necked Lory (Indonesia) and Lady Amherst’s Pheasant (China) sat in grave quietness, mindful of the awe-struck gazes of onlookers.  Umbrella Cockatoo and Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Indonesia) were in no mood to display their large and striking crest, which they spread in a semicircular shape when surprised and which gave them their names. The show also exhibits a wide range of poultry collection. Phoenix hen which costs ` 5,000 per pair and the more ordinary Cochin Bantam (` 1,000 per pair) and other varieties too can be bought at the exhibition. The aqua segment, though not flattering, has enough to interest visitors. The Red Tail Catfish and Flowerhorn Cichlids come at a price tag of ` 40,000 per fish. The cross- breed Red Tail Shovelnose Catfish is a majestic combination of colour and form.  Varieties of cattle breeds, goats and horses also graze on the meadows of Kanakakkunnu, while stealing wide-eyed glances at the crowd that mill around them. Individual collectors and organisations from across the state are participating in the fest. The exhibition will conclude on October 21.