Nandankanan Zoo to Welcome New Species of Animals

Bhubaneswar: New species of animals and birds will be added to the Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP), Bhubaneswar, under the animal exchange programme.

The Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi, has allowed the approved NZP to procure procure 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 in exchange of Painted stork (2:2), Mandarin duck (1:1), Spot billed pelican (2:2), Blackbuck (2:3), Back headed ibis (10:10).

The NZP will also add two new species to the collection of greater adjutant stork and Himalayan griffin vultures.

A five-member team from the NZP left for the Assam Zoo on Tuesday to procure the animals.

It is expected that these animals will reach the zoo by March 21.

The NZP authorities are bringing a Gangetic soft-shell turtle to pair with the existing single turtle. Procurement of white pelican will help infuse new bloodlines into the existing stock.

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), Black-headed ibis (10:10).