Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park is set to receive 18 new animals from Gujarat’s Sakkarbaug Zoo as part of an animal exchange programme aimed at enhancing genetic diversity and supporting breeding initiatives.
On Friday morning, a team from Sakkarbaug Zoo left Nandankanan with one ostrich, three barasingha (swamp deer), and three barking deer. In exchange, Nandankanan will welcome four leopards (comprising two pairs), four Demoiselle cranes (two pairs), and ten jungle fowls (five pairs).
Zoo officials stated that the primary goal of this exchange is to diversify the gene pool, especially for the leopard population, thereby strengthening long-term conservation and breeding efforts. This marks the second such exchange for Nandankanan this year, following the earlier arrival of a ring-tailed lemur from Visakhapatnam’s Indira Gandhi Zoological Park.
The incoming animals are expected to enrich the zoo’s diverse collection and boost its attractiveness to visitors. As Odisha’s largest zoological park, Nandankanan draws thousands of tourists each year with its rich wildlife exhibits. Zoo authorities have already made thorough preparations, including suitable enclosures to ensure the well-being and smooth acclimatization of the new guests.
