Nandankanan Zoological Park To Welcome New Guests From Assam State Zoo Soon

Bhubaneswar: The Central Zoo Authority has approved an animal exchange programme between Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar and Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden, Guwahati.

As approved, Nandankan Zoological Park will bring 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- greater adjutant stork and Himalayan griffin vulture to the animal collection of NZP. A Gangetic softshell turtle is being brought to pair with the existing single one.

To infuse a new bloodline into the existing stock, the addition of a great white pelican will be helpful.

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), Back headed ibis (10:10).

A five-member team including Dr T. Vikram, Veterinary surgeon, Arup Kumar Rout, Forester, Brajakishore Sahoo, Animal Keeper, Sapan Kumar Das (Outsourced Staff), Umesh Kumar Bhoi (Outsourced staff) left from Assam Zoo to receive the animals on 12.03.2024 morning. It is expected that these animals shall be brought to Nandankanan by the 21st of March.

This is the fourth animal exchange programme, Nandankanan is executing this financial year, to improve the animal stock as per the approved masterplan.