Andhra Pradesh is finding itself in the unique position of appealing for a customs-waiver - on zebras! The state had recently imported 12 zebras from South Africa for three zoos - in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati.

But the three zoos and the Central Zoo Authority are balking at the 36 percent customs duty slapped on the striped imports. Thus, the state government has appealed to the centre for waiving the taxes amounting to Rs 18 lakh.

The union environment and forests minister and Rajya Sabha member from Andhra Pradesh, Jairam Ramesh has written to finance minister Pranab Mukherjee making the "unusual request".

Enclosing the state's environment minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy's letter along with his request, Ramesh has asked the finance minister to waive off the duty as the purchases were made by the government for government-run zoos.

Citing the inability of the concerned bodies in apaying the taxes, the minister added  that all other formalities for the import had been completed.