Nandankanan Zoological Park on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar (Photo by arrangement)
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Nandankanan Zoological Park has significantly expanded its animal collection as part of one of its largest-ever exchange programmes. The park has received 11 species of animals and birds from Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad, under the first phase of a program approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).
The new arrivals include two sarus cranes, two spoonbills, two grey jungle fowls, two iguanas, two Barbary doves, four hog deer, two mouse deer, two red sand boas, two common sand boas, two bonnet macaques, and two Russell’s vipers.
In return, Nandankanan sent Hyderabad three Siamese crocodiles, four golden pheasants, two Lady Amherst’s pheasants, two hog deer, and two mouse deer. This exchange strengthens wildlife conservation efforts while enhancing the educational experience for visitors by introducing rare and diverse species.
As part of the second phase, Nandankanan will soon receive two female bonnet macaques from Hyderabad in exchange for an Asian openbill stork and an Assamese macaque.
Earlier this year, in July, Nandankanan acquired 18 new species through a similar exchange with Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ranchi. Among the notable additions were two female tigers—one carrying the rare melanistic gene—along with nilgai, Indian porcupines, and striped hyenas. In return, Nandankanan sent Ranchi a selection of species, including a tiger, mouse deer, palm civets, Indian foxes, and various birds.
These strategic collaborations among zoos highlight their essential role in conservation, genetic diversity, and public education, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for biodiversity.
The new arrivals include two sarus cranes, two spoonbills, two grey jungle fowls, two iguanas, two Barbary doves, four hog deer, two mouse deer, two red sand boas, two common sand boas, two bonnet macaques, and two Russell’s vipers.
In return, Nandankanan sent Hyderabad three Siamese crocodiles, four golden pheasants, two Lady Amherst’s pheasants, two hog deer, and two mouse deer. This exchange strengthens wildlife conservation efforts while enhancing the educational experience for visitors by introducing rare and diverse species.
As part of the second phase, Nandankanan will soon receive two female bonnet macaques from Hyderabad in exchange for an Asian openbill stork and an Assamese macaque.
Earlier this year, in July, Nandankanan acquired 18 new species through a similar exchange with Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ranchi. Among the notable additions were two female tigers—one carrying the rare melanistic gene—along with nilgai, Indian porcupines, and striped hyenas. In return, Nandankanan sent Ranchi a selection of species, including a tiger, mouse deer, palm civets, Indian foxes, and various birds.
These strategic collaborations among zoos highlight their essential role in conservation, genetic diversity, and public education, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for biodiversity.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story
