After nearly a year of solitude, Sunny, the male giraffe at Hyderabad Zoo, will finally get a new companion. The ten-year-old gentle giant has been living alone since his long-time partner, Tsunami Basant, passed away in October 2024 due to old-age complications. Now, a new chapter begins as the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad prepares to welcome a two-year-old female giraffe from Mysore Zoo.
A New Beginning for Sunny
Sunny’s story has been one of companionship, loss, and now hope. Brought to Hyderabad Zoo from Kolkata Zoo in 2019 under an animal exchange program, Sunny arrived with a female giraffe named Bubli. The pair quickly became a favorite among zoo visitors, symbolizing the beauty and grace of these tall creatures. Unfortunately, Bubli passed away in 2021 after a brief illness, leaving Sunny and another male giraffe, Tsunami Basant, as the only two of their kind in the zoo.
When Tsunami Basant, a 20-year-old male, succumbed to age-related issues in October last year, Sunny was left alone once again. Since then, the 10-year-old giraffe has been living a solitary life in the sprawling open enclosure of Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park.
According to Zoo Curator J. Vasantha, the new female giraffe, aged around two years, is expected to arrive soon from Mysore Zoo. “We are eagerly waiting to welcome the young female giraffe. Sunny has been alone for quite some time, and we are sure the arrival of a companion will enrich his life and bring more excitement to visitors,” she said.
Animal Exchange and Conservation Efforts
The arrival of the new giraffe is part of Hyderabad Zoo’s broader efforts to promote animal exchange programs with other major zoological parks in India. These programs help ensure the health, diversity, and conservation of rare and exotic species.
Apart from the giraffe, Hyderabad Zoo is also in the process of adding more fascinating animals to its growing collection. Officials have confirmed that they are in talks with Mumbai Zoo to bring a new hippopotamus to the park. Currently, the zoo is home to three hippos — one aged male and two females.
Another addition planned in the near future is the Rhea bird, often known as the South American ostrich. These large, flightless birds are native to South America and closely resemble African ostriches. At present, Hyderabad Zoo has eight Rheas, and the arrival of more will add diversity to the bird section.
Mandrills and Hoolock Gibbons to Join Soon
The zoo’s expansion plans don’t stop there. As part of ongoing animal exchange collaborations, mandrills from Tata Zoological Park, Jamshedpur, and Hoolock gibbons, India’s only ape species, from Nagaland Zoo Park, are also expected to arrive soon. Both species are known for their unique appearance and high intelligence, and their presence will be a major attraction for visitors and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
The mandrills, with their colorful faces and striking features, are among the world’s most fascinating primates, while Hoolock gibbons play an essential role in tropical forest ecosystems as seed dispersers. Their inclusion will further strengthen the zoo’s conservation and education programs.
New Zebras Add to the Attraction
During its recent annual day celebrations, Hyderabad Zoo introduced three zebras — two males and one female — which have quickly become crowd favorites. These zebras were brought from the Radha Krishna Trust, a wing of Vantara by Reliance Foundation in Gujarat. The exchange was made for a collection of mouse deer, marking another successful collaboration under the zoo’s animal exchange initiatives.
The zoo also announced plans to launch a new breeding program aimed at conserving exotic species like zebras and giraffes. Breeding programs are vital for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of these majestic animals in captivity.
Also read: Indore Zoo: Senior Elephant Moti’s Shift to Vantara Faces Challenges
Hyderabad Zoo: A Hub of Biodiversity
Officially known as the Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad Zoo is one of India’s largest and most visited zoological parks. Spread over 380 acres, the zoo houses a rich variety of wildlife, making it a favorite destination for families, researchers, and wildlife photographers.
Currently, the zoo is home to an impressive collection of animals:
- 51 species of mammals
- 109 species of birds
- 37 species of reptiles
- 2 species of amphibians
In total, the zoo cares for:
- 518 mammals
- 1,361 birds
- 328 reptiles
- 8 amphibians
These numbers highlight the zoo’s vital role in wildlife conservation, research, and education. With its focus on responsible animal care and biodiversity, the Nehru Zoological Park continues to be one of the most respected wildlife facilities in India.
Also read: Lion Safari Park Rajkot: Gujarat’s Premier Urban Wildlife Destination Set to Open in 2026
A Step Toward a Brighter Future
The arrival of a new female giraffe marks more than just an addition to the zoo’s animal collection — it’s a step toward emotional enrichment for Sunny and an important move for the zoo’s breeding and conservation goals. Visitors, especially children, are eagerly waiting to see Sunny with his new companion roaming together in their open enclosure.
As Hyderabad Zoo continues to expand its animal family, it also strengthens its mission of conservation, education, and recreation. With every new arrival — be it giraffes, zebras, or gibbons — the zoo takes another stride toward promoting awareness and appreciation for wildlife among future generations.
