Bhubaneswar: The Nandankanan Zoological Park near Bhubaneswar procure two new species under the animal exchange programme from the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden in Guwahati this month.
The Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi has approved the proposal for the animal exchange. As per the agreement, Nandankanan Zoo will bring Gangetic Soft-shell Turtle, Great White Pelican, Himalayan Griffin Vulture and Greater Adjutant Stork from Assam Zoo.
Nandankanan will give Painted Stork, Mandarin Duck, Spot Billed Pelican, Blackbuck, Back Headed Ibis to Assam zoo in exchange.
According to sources, Greater Adjutant Stork and Himalayan Griffin Vulture will be additional features of the Nandankanan while Gangetic Soft-Shell Turtle will pair with the existing single one.
A five-member team of Nandankanan officials including veterinary surgeon Dr T Vikram, forester Arup Kumar Rout, animal keeper Braja Kishore Sahoo, outsourced staff Sapan Kumar Das and Umesh Kumar Bhoi left for Assam to get the animals on Tuesday.
