Visakhapatnam: The animal exchange programme between Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam and Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden in Gujarat has started successfully with the arrival of a lioness here from the wildlife facility in Junagadh in the late hours of Friday.
The exchange programme involves the re-location of a two-and-a-half-year-old lioness from Sakkarbaug zoo to IGZP and in return a pair of wild dogs will be sent to the Sakkarbaug zoo.
The introduction of the young lioness is expected to attract visitors and contribute to the establishment of a lion pride alongside the pair of lions already housed at IGZP.
The newly acquired animal will undergo a quarantine period, in accordance to the standard protocols before being placed in its designated enclosure for the public to view.
Curator of IGZP, Dr. Nandani Salaria, expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts between the two zoos. She highlighted that beyond promoting genetic diversity, these exchanges also facilitate the sharing of expertise in animal care and management.
Veterinary doctor at Sakkarbaug Zoo Dr Prashant Maru and his crew, along with Dr Phaneendra and Dr Purushottam from IGZP, worked tirelessly to ensure the safe transport of the lioness from Junagadh to Visakhapatnam.
