Bhubaneswar, Nov 30 (IANS) A 34-year-old rare white crocodile in Orissa will be the mascot for the National Youth Festival 2010 to be held here in January, it was announced Monday.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the national steering committee for the festival in New Delhi, according to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s office.

“The meeting approved ‘Gori’ the lone albino crocodile, as the mascot,” an official statement said.

Gori, born under the “rear and release” programme in Dangamal Crocodile Research Farm in Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary in Kendrapada district in 1975, now measures about 9 feet. She lives in isolation.

The crocodile had shunned mating despite attempts by forest officials, who admitted they were unable to find an appropriate male partner for her.

The 15th National Youth Festival is scheduled to be held in Bhubaneshwar Jan 8-12, 2010.

About 4,000 youths from all the states and union territories will compete in about 17 categories of cultural competitions in classical, semi-classical and folk arts during the event.