In a thrilling move, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has given the green light to the Odisha government’s ambitious plan to transfer a cheetah, African lion, and chimpanzee from Dubai Safari Park (DSP) to the captivating Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) in Bhubaneswar.
The CZA, in its nod, has urged the wildlife wing of the State Forest and Environment Department to ensure top-notch housing facilities aligning with its guidelines, setting the stage for an extraordinary animal exchange.
As per the wildlife wing, NZP is not only set to welcome the cheetah, African lion, and chimpanzee but also a fascinating array of creatures, including ring-tailed lemurs, red-necked wallabies, Hamadryas baboons, African grey parrots, and blue-and-gold macaws, enhancing the zoo’s biodiversity.
In return, NZP is generously offering Hippopotamuses, blackbucks, hog deer, gaurs, red junglefowls, and gharials to DSP, marking a unique collaboration between the two wildlife havens.
The CZA, recognizing the social dynamics of chimpanzees, has suggested exploring the possibility of acquiring a male-female pair instead of a male-male pair, adding an element of strategic planning to the animal exchange.
Notably, the CZA has emphasized adherence to central guidelines for quarantine, health screening, and a revisit of strategies concerning the acquisition, housing, and breeding of color morphs, aligning with conservation goals and national and international policies.
Highlighting the current global context, the CZA has directed NZP to follow stringent protocols for COVID-19 and other zoonotic diseases, ensuring the safety of both the animals and zoo staff.
The clock is ticking as the exchange of these diverse animals must be completed within a year, adding an element of urgency to this wild collaboration.
Nandankanan Zoological Park, already a favorite among visitors, boasts a remarkable daily footfall, with last Sunday’s count reaching an impressive 40,000. Known for its famed white tigers born to normal-colored parents in 1980, NZP has also achieved success in pangolin breeding, housing the largest pools for gharials and Hippopotamuses. Notably, NZP stands as the sole zoo with a captive fodder farm spanning over 33 acres and a unique on-site slaughterhouse, further solidifying its status as a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Get ready for a wild rendezvous as Nandankanan gears up for an infusion of exotic charm from Dubai Safari Park, promising an unforgettable experience for all animal enthusiasts.
