Bhubaneswar: The Nandankanan Zoological Park near Bhubaneswar on Saturday welcomed 18 new inmates from Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ranchi.
According to sources, the authorities of both Nandankanan and Ranchi zoo had earlier signed an agreement on animal exchange programme. The Central Zoo Authority in New Delhi had also approved the exchange.
As per the agreement, Nandankanan received a female Royal Bengal Tiger (melanistic), a female Royal Bengal Tiger (normal but carrier of pseudo-melanism gene), three male and a female striped hyena, five male and five female Indian Porcupine and two male Nilgai from Birsa Biological Park.
Similarly, the Nandankanan authorities transferred a Royal Bengal Tiger, four Mouse Deer, four Common Palm Civet, two Indian Fox, two Grey Pelican, 20 Night Heron, and 20 Black-Headed Ibis to Birsa Biological Park.
The exchange programme would introduce new bloodlines for Royal Bengal Tiger, Striped Hyena, Indian Porcupine and Nilgai, an official of Nandankanan said.
It may be noted that Nandankanan has executed five animal exchange programmes including the latest one in the past one year in order to improve its animal stock.
