Bhubaneswar: A fresh wave of optimism has swept through Nandankanan Zoological Park with the birth of a Gaur calf on Wednesday. The new addition brings the total Gaur population at the zoo to seven — comprising three males, three females, and the newborn calf.
The calf was born at 5:25 PM in Enclosure No. 42, with zoo officials confirming that both its parents were born at Nandankanan. Mating had been observed in November 2024, marking this birth as a successful outcome of in-house conservation breeding efforts. The last Gaur birth at the zoo occurred just over a year ago, on June 5, 2024.
The Gaur (Bos gaurus), often referred to as the Indian bison, is the world’s largest wild cattle species. Known for its imposing stature, muscular frame, and distinctive white leg markings, the Gaur plays a vital ecological role as a mega-herbivore, contributing to forest regeneration and biodiversity.
Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Gaur is considered a high-priority species in India’s Conservation Breeding Programme. This initiative is overseen by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), with Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysuru as the lead institution, and support from Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai and Bondla Zoo in Goa.
The birth at Nandankanan marks a significant milestone in the nationwide ex-situ conservation programme, which includes 19 zoos working collaboratively to secure a genetically diverse and stable population of the species under human care.
