Visakhapatnam: Animal exchange program between Indira Gandhi Zoo Park & Zoo Garden, Alipore, Kolkata successful
Animal exchange program has been executed between Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam & Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata whereby animals have been received from Alipore Zoo to IGZP in the forenoon of April 27, 2024.
As a part of this exchange, Alipore Zoo has given Northern Giraffes (1:1), Water Monitor Lizards (2:2), and Scarlet Macaws (1:1), while Vizag Zoo has given White Tiger (1F), Indian Grey Wolf (1:1), Indian Wild Dogs (3:2), Ring Tailed Lemur (1:1), Black Swan (1:1), Hog Deer (2:2) and Striped Hyenas (1:1). This exchange aims to optimize the welfare of the animals under the care and contribute to the preservation of endangered species.
The IGZP team led by APCCF Wildlife, CCF, Visakhapatnam and DCF, IGZP, Veterinary team and Vizag zoo staff started from IGZP by road on 22nd April night to bring giraffes from Alipore Zoo, Kolkata. One team went by road to do survey of the NH-16 in order to plan the safe and smooth transportation of giraffe from Alipore to Vizag zoo.
From there, on 25th April the team led by Dr. Navin Kumar, Dr. Phaneendra and Dr. Purushotham & other staff of the zoo travelled about 856 kilometers and reached Visakhapatnam Zoo in this morning. All the way the veterinary team, animal keepers and zoo staff took utmost care and checked the animal from time to time and reached the Vizag zoo safely.
This exchange adds the Giraffes and Water Monitor Lizards which were housed in IGZP few months back. One Male Giraffe aged about 2 Years and One Female Giraffe aged about 4 years has been received from Alipore Zoo. This exchange also brings one new species to the animal collection of IGZP i.e. Scarlet Macaw. Scarlet Macaw is the largest and colorful bird species and will be a new attraction for the visitors.
The IGZP team successfully completed this exchange program which was a very challenging task specially to bring giraffes, which were very huge animals from Kolkata to Vizag. The curator IGZP has extended her gratitude for guidance and support of senior officers from AP Forest Department and also the officials from police department, NHAI, Alipore Zoo for their cooperation and support.
