Chennai: Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP) here at Vandalur would soon throw open for public display a pair of Himalayan black bears, water monitor lizard (Varanus Salvator) and Siamese crocodiles.
According to AAZP sources, the new animals acquired from Nandan Kan-an Biological Park, Bhu-vaneshwar, now under quarantine, are responding well to the Vandalur atmosphere. Under the zoo animal exchange programme, the park has also received 5 pairs of white ibis (Threskiornis aethiopica) and open bill stork (Anastomus Oscitans). The zoo now has sloth bears and the new pair will add to the existing black bear population.
In exchange, the zoo has given a pair of Nilgiri langurs and a pair of white peafowls, which are rare zoo exhibits. Five pairs of the painted stork and a pair of reticulate python have also been given to the Bhuvaneshwar zoo in exchange for the acquired birds. The aviary section of the zoo is now the largest section comprising the maximum number of enclosures housing migratory and exotic birds. Besides the aviary section, there are two large enclosures where birds spotted in Vedanthangal are displayed. The white Ibis and the open bills are likely to be released along with the Vedanthangal birds. At present, there are pelicans and painted storks in large numbers and the new birds will diversify the migratory bird section, zoo sources said.
AAZP is now a recognised breeding centre for several critically endangered animals ranging from lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, white tiger, wild dog, Indian gaur and pythons and there are plans to give away the newborn as exchange and acquire more animals from other zoos, sources added.
