Nandankanan Zoo Welcomes New Species in Landmark Exchange Programme

Bhubaneswar’s Nandankanan Zoological Park has expanded its collection with several new species as part of an animal exchange programme with Dr Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Zoological Garden in Surat.

The initiative, approved by the Central Zoo Authority, aims to strengthen conservation efforts and enhance genetic diversity among captive populations.

The arrivals include five Smooth-coated Otters (three males and two females), marking their return to Nandankanan after a gap of 25 years.

The zoo also welcomed two Indian Grey Wolves, ten Indian Star Tortoises, and two Silver Pheasants. With these additions, the zoo’s species count has risen from 176 to 177.

A joint team from both zoos transported the animals early in the morning, and they will remain under quarantine for 20–30 days before being shifted to their enclosures.

The Smooth-coated Otters are expected to be a major attraction, symbolising renewed focus on aquatic species.

In exchange, Nandankanan will send Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Grey Wolves, Four-horned Antelopes, Barking Deer, and Indian Jackals to Surat.

The transfer will take place in two phases, beginning with antelopes, deer, and jackals, followed by tigers and wolves.

Zoo officials emphasised that the programme not only enriches the visitor experience but also introduces new bloodlines to improve genetic diversity.

The collaboration reflects a growing commitment among Indian zoos to preserve wildlife through coordinated efforts.