Nandankanan Zoological Park welcomes 11 animal and bird species from Hyderabad

In one the biggest animal exchange programmes, Nandankanan Zoological Park on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, has recently welcomed 11species of animals and birds from Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad on Monday.

Under the first phase of animal exchange programme approved by the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi, the Nandankan Zoo received 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 exchange, Nandankanan Zoo transferred several exotic animals to Hyderabad Zoo including three Siamese crocodiles, four golden pheasants, two Lady Amherst’s pheasants, two hog deer and two mouse deer.

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This collaboration marks a significant effort towards wildlife conservation and aims to bring educational opportunities to the forefront. By introducing these rare species, both institutions hope to enhance public awareness and understanding of biodiversity and lesser-known species.

In the second phase, the Nandankanan Zoo will receive 2 female Bonnet Macaques in exchange of Asian Open Bill Stork and Assamese Macaque.

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Earlier in July this year, the Nandankanan Zoological Park had brought 18 new wildlife species from Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ranchi. They include two female tigers including one carrying melanistic gene, two nilgai, five pairs of Indian porcupine and four striped hyena (three male and a female).

In return, the Ranchi-based zoo took one tiger, four mouse deer, four common palm civet, two Indian fox, two grey pelican, 20 night heron and 20 black-headed Ibis from Nandankanan.