Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad has recently become a hub of excitement and conservation efforts, thanks to the arrival of 309 rare and exotic animals. These new additions are part of the Central Zoo Authority’s (CZA) Animal Exchange Programme, which facilitates the exchange of species between zoos across India and abroad. The program not only enriches biodiversity but also offers visitors a chance to witness animals they might otherwise never see.
New Species Arriving in Hyderabad
The zoo has received a remarkable mix of animals through exchanges with several Indian zoos as well as international partners. Some of the most talked-about arrivals include:
- African Lions
- White Tigers
- Bengal Tigers
- Indian Leopards
- Giraffes
- Indian Bison
- Wild Dogs
- Deer varieties such as Sambar, Spotted Deer, and Blackbuck
- Exotic reptiles including Yellow Anacondas
- Colorful exotic birds like Macaws and Pelicans
These species have come from renowned zoos and parks across India such as Rohtak Zoo (Haryana), Kanpur Zoo (Uttar Pradesh), Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park (Tirupati), Dhauladhar Nature Park (Himachal Pradesh), Nandankanan Zoo (Bhubaneswar), Naya Raipur’s Nandanvan Zoo Safari, Bannerghatta Biological Park (Bengaluru), Rangapahar Zoo (Nagaland), and also from Chennai, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Jamshedpur.
Animals Sent Out from Hyderabad
The exchange programme is a two-way process. While Hyderabad welcomed 309 animals, it also sent 268 animals to other zoos across the country. Some of the species shared include:
- Mouse Deer
- Jungle Cats
- White Tigers
- Bengal Tigers
- Sambar Deer
- Star Tortoises
- Cobras
- Pelicans
This exchange system ensures that animal populations are distributed across regions, allowing for conservation breeding, better genetic diversity, and more opportunities for people in different parts of India to see rare wildlife.
How the Exchange Works
Transferring animals is no easy task. Each journey involves detailed planning, official permissions, and strict monitoring.
- Domestic Transfers: Within India, animals are usually moved via road or rail in specially designed vehicles that provide proper ventilation, rest intervals, and adequate food and water.
- International Transfers: When animals are exchanged with foreign zoos, they are transported by air in climate-controlled crates.
Upon arrival at Nehru Zoological Park, every animal undergoes a quarantine period to ensure they are healthy and free of infections. Veterinarians and animal keepers closely monitor their diet, behavior, and adjustment to the new environment.
Visitors’ Excitement
The inclusion of these new animals has transformed the experience for visitors. Children and families are especially thrilled to see white tigers, African lions, giraffes, and colorful exotic birds up close. For many, it is their first opportunity to see such wildlife outside of books or documentaries.
According to zoo officials, the new species have also increased footfall at the park, making it one of the top attractions in Hyderabad. Zoo Director Vasantha shared that these additions have enhanced the zoo’s educational value by helping visitors understand animal behavior, ecology, and the importance of biodiversity.
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Conservation and Education
The exchange programme is not just about adding attractions for the public. Its larger goal is to support wildlife conservation and species survival. By maintaining healthy populations of endangered species across multiple zoos, experts can ensure better breeding and genetic strength.
Nehru Zoological Park has been actively involved in conservation projects, including breeding programs for species such as tigers, leopards, and deer. The arrival of new animals further strengthens its role as a major conservation hub in India.
Future Plans
Zoo authorities have hinted at plans to introduce more rare animals in the coming years through similar exchanges. Discussions are underway with other national and international zoos for potential swaps that could bring even more diversity to Hyderabad.
These efforts align with India’s larger conservation goals of protecting biodiversity, educating the public, and ensuring that endangered animals have a better chance of survival.
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Key Highlights at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| New animals received | 309 |
| Animals sent to other zoos | 268 |
| Popular new arrivals | White Tigers, African Lions, Giraffes, Macaws, Yellow Anacondas |
| Exchange partners | Zoos in Kanpur, Rohtak, Tirupati, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Nagaland, and others |
| Core objective | Biodiversity conservation, education, genetic diversity, visitor engagement |
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Conclusion
Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad is no longer just a place for recreation — it has grown into a center of education, conservation, and global collaboration. The arrival of 309 new animals, alongside the exchange of 268 others, shows the zoo’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and bringing people closer to nature.
For visitors, these new additions offer a chance to witness some of the world’s rarest species, while for conservationists, it represents a meaningful step toward protecting wildlife for generations to come.
