Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) in Odisha is set to welcome 15 new species through an animal exchange programme.
According to reports, a nine-member team from Nandankanan, led by Assistant Conservator of Forests (SBG) Dr Sudipta Kumar Panda, recently visited Pilikula Zoological Park in Mangaluru, Karnataka, to facilitate the transfer of animals approved by the Central Zoo Authority.
Under this exchange, NZP will provide Pilikula Zoo with a Golden pheasant pair (1:1), a Silver pheasant pair (1:1), an Asiatic lion (1:0), a gharial pair (1:1), and an Indian grey wolf (1:0).
In return, Nandankanan will receive two pairs of Reticulated pythons (2:2), a pair of Wild dogs (2:2), a pair of Brahminy kites (1:1), one male and two female Common palm civets (1:2), and two Large egrets (0:2).
The exchange program aims to pair wild dogs, Brahminy kites, and large egrets and will help introduce new bloodlines into other species.
The team will make intermediate stops at Visakhapatnam, Nellore, and Bandipur on their journey to and from Mangaluru. The program is scheduled for completion by November 10, 2024.
This exchange enhances biodiversity at Nandankanan, enriching the park’s collection while supporting conservation efforts through strategic breeding and genetic diversity.
