Patna: Patna Zoo is set to receive a male giraffe from Mysore Zoo as part of an animal exchange programme aimed at strengthening its breeding stock and improving genetic diversity among giraffes.
New Giraffe Transfer Plan
Zoo authorities have confirmed that a male giraffe is being arranged from Mysore to accompany Bhima, the existing male giraffe at Patna Zoo. The move is intended to support long-term breeding efforts and maintain a balanced population structure.
Officials said the process is being finalised through inter-zoo coordination under standard animal exchange protocols, which are commonly followed by zoological parks in India.
Initial Talks and Exchange Process
Earlier discussions were held with Kolkata Zoo for the transfer, but those talks did not progress significantly. Following this, Patna Zoo initiated fresh engagement with Mysore Zoo, from where Bhima had originally been brought in 2014.
Zoo sources said such transfers are not commercial purchases but structured exchanges between institutions. These exchanges often involve swapping animals to ensure genetic variation and improve breeding outcomes across collections.
Authorities have indicated that Patna Zoo is open to providing a female giraffe for exchange if required, though preference is being given to a younger female calf due to the limited number of adult females currently available.
Existing Giraffe Population at Patna Zoo
At present, Patna Zoo houses four giraffes—two adults and two calves. Among them are Bhima, the adult male, and Srishti, the adult female.
Bhima arrived from Mysore Zoo in 2014, while Srishti was brought from San Diego Zoo in 2006.
Another female giraffe, Shanti, also brought from San Diego, died around four months ago due to pregnancy-related complications.
The zoo also has two calves born in 2023—Aman, the male calf, and Himani, the female calf—both part of its in-house breeding programme.
Focus on Genetic Diversity
Officials emphasised that the primary goal of the planned addition is to diversify the bloodline and support sustainable breeding. With limited giraffe populations available in India, inter-zoo exchanges remain the primary method for strengthening captive populations.
