Nandankanan Zoo Welcomes Cassowary Pair from Hyderabad in Animal Exchange Program

Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) on Wednesday welcomed a male and female pair of Cassowary birds as part of an animal exchange program. This marks the return of Cassowaries to the zoo after a nine-year hiatus.

Cassowaries are native to New Guinea and Australia and are considered the most dangerous birds in the world due to their aggressive behaviour towards humans. As such, their captivity requires special attention and care.

The new Cassowaries will be placed in quarantine for 20-30 days to ensure their safety and well-being. Once they meet the established health standards, they will be relocated to a designated enclosure.

NZP is a sprawling 437-hectare (1,080-acre) facility that includes a zoo and botanical garden. It was established in 1960 and opened to the public in 1979. In 2009, NZP became the first Indian zoo to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).