Bhubaneswar: To the delight of animal lovers, a Gaur calf was born at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar. With this, the total Gaur population at the zoo has gone up to seven — three males, three females, and one calf, zoo officials said on Thursday.
The calf was born in Enclosure No. 42 on Wednesday evening. Earlier, A Gaur birth at the zoo had taken place on June 5, last year.
Both the parents of the newborn were also born at Nandankanan, and mating was observed in November 2024.
Considered the largest species of wild cattle, the Gaur is known for its muscular build, prominent ridge on the forehead, and distinct light-coloured markings on its legs. As a mega-herbivore, the Gaur plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of forest ecosystems.
Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Gaur is a priority species in the Conservation Breeding Programme coordinated by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The programme is led by Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysuru, with Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai and Bondla Zoo in Goa as participating partners.
This birth marks another milestone in the collaborative efforts of 19 Indian zoos dedicated to the ex-situ conservation of the Gaur. The aim is to ensure the species’ long-term survival by maintaining a healthy insurance population under managed care.