Nandankanan Zoological Park is preparing to welcome 19 animals of four species this week following an exchange agreement with the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Zoo in Surat, Gujarat.
A two-member team from Nandankanan traveled to Surat to finalize the deal. The new arrivals will include 5 water buffaloes, 2 gray wolves (males), 10 Indian rock tortoises, and 2 silverbacks (male and female).
In return, Nandankanan will send 14 animals of five species, including a pair of big cats, two female gray wolves, three hyenas, two female kuturas, and five Indian jackals.
Deputy Director Sanath Kumar Narayan stated the exchange is aimed at changing the bloodlines of existing animals and aiding in the conservation of near-extinct species, with approval from the Central Zoo Authority.