Patna: In an effort to enrich its biodiversity and celebrate its golden jubilee, the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, commonly known as Patna Zoo, is in talks to welcome foreign inmates through a collaborative effort with Taman Safari, Bogor, Indonesia. A meeting between officials from the state department of environment, forest, and climate change (DoEFCC) and representatives from Taman Safari took place on Wednesday to discuss the potential exchange of animals under a foreign exchange program.
Chaired by Bandana Preyashi, Secretary of DoEFCC, the meeting focused on the steps required to facilitate the exchange of animals from various global zoo safaris, bringing new additions to Patna Zoo during its milestone year.
Key attendees included Ashutosh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Head of Forest Force), Kanwal Tanuj, Special Secretary, Chief Wildlife Warden Prabhat Kumar Gupta, and Patna Zoo Director Satyajit Kumar, reflecting the high-level discussions on international collaboration for biodiversity enhancement.
Established as a Botanical Garden in 1970 on 34 acres of land within the Bihar Governor’s campus, the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park evolved into its current form in 1972. Over the years, additional land, totaling approximately 153 acres, was incorporated from the revenue and public works departments. Presently, the zoo houses 108 different species of wild animals, with 50 falling under the endangered category.
The meeting signals a significant step toward broadening the zoo’s wildlife offerings and promoting international cooperation in conservation efforts. With a current total of 1163 animals and birds, Patna Zoo is poised to embrace a new chapter in its history, fostering global partnerships to ensure a diverse and thriving ecosystem for years to come.
