Odisha’s Nandankanan Zoo Exchanges Tigers & Gharials For Leopards & Gibbons From Itanagar

Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park, on outskirts of Odisha capital, is all set to welcome two hoolock gibbons and as many leopards from Itanagar as inmates in exchange for two tigers and three gharials.

A team from Itanagar led by veterinary doctor Swarang Tadap visited Nandankanan on Friday after the approval of the Central Zoo Authority to exchange the animals. Accordingly, a six member team, including a veterinary doctor, has left for Itanagar to collect the gibbons and leopards.

According to sources, a red tiger named Rocky, a red tigress named Sohani and three gharials have been handed over to the team from Itanagar, who would be transferring the animals by road. The journey to reach Itanagar by road would take around four to five days and necessary arrangements have been made for food and safety of the animals en route.

Once the animals reach Itanagar, the six member team from Nandankanan will commence their journey from Itanagar to Bhubaneswar with the gibbons and leopards. The process would take around 10 to 12 days, sources added.