Patna: Visitors to Patna Zoo will soon be able to see 24 new animals as part of an animal exchange programme with zoos in Delhi and Rohtak, officials said.
Under an agreement with the Delhi Zoo, Patna Zoo will receive a white tigress along with six sangai deer, four white blackbucks, four pink pelicans, four painted storks, and one white heron. In addition, two green iguanas and two silver pheasants will be brought from Rohtak Zoo. All the animals are expected to arrive by the end of April.
In exchange, Patna Zoo will send one male tiger to Delhi Zoo, along with four gharials, four Indian antelopes, four Indian wolves, two common rat snakes, and two barn owls. A pair of wolves will also be sent to Rohtak Zoo as part of the programme.
Officials said the necessary approvals for the exchange have already been granted. Teams from Patna Zoo will visit the partner zoos, while officials from Delhi and Rohtak are also expected to visit Patna to expedite the process.
Zoo authorities said that the white blackbucks and green iguanas are likely to become major attractions for visitors. Special enclosures have been prepared to accommodate the new animals. A separate enclosure has been constructed near the blackbuck section, while a glass enclosure measuring approximately 20 by 30 feet has been set up in the reptile house for the iguanas.
The iguanas will be kept in an environment designed to mimic their natural habitat, including branches, a water feature, stones, and foliage. Their diet will consist of fruits, vegetables, leaves, and insects.
According to zoo officials, the primary objective of the animal exchange programme is to maintain genetic diversity among wildlife species and prevent inbreeding, which can weaken future generations.
Authorities added that strengthening captive breeding populations is essential for the long-term conservation of wildlife species, and such exchanges are carried out in line with national wildlife management standards.
