Bhubaneswar: The Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) will procure Gangetic Softshell turtle (2:2), Great White pelican (2:2), Himalayan griffin vulture (2:2), Greater Adjutant stork(2:2) from Assam State Zoo and Botanical garden, Guwahati.
This will add two new species to the collection of greater adjutant stork and Himalayan griffin vultures.
A five-member team including Dr. T. Vikram, Veterinary surgeon, Arup Kumar Rout, Forester, Brajakishore Sahoo, Animal Keeper, Sapan Kumar Das, and Umesh Kumar Bhoi on Tuesday left for Assam Zoo to procure the animals.
It is learnt that the NZP authorities are bringing Gangetic soft shell turtle to pair with the existing single turtle. Besides, procuring white pelican will help infuse new bloodlines into the existing stock.
In exchange, Nandankanan will give some of its surplus animals to Assam Zoo which includes a Painted stork (2:2), Mandarin duck (1:1), Spot-billed pelican (2:2), Blackbuck (2:3), Black-headed ibis (10:10).
It is expected that these animals will reach the zoo by March 21.
