Argus News - Breaking News: Nandankanan Zoo Welcomes Ring-Tailed Lemurs and Others in Animal Exchange

Bhubaneswar, Mar 11: Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) in Bhubaneswar has expanded its animal collection through a significant exchange programme with Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP), Visakhapatnam.

The initiative, approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), New Delhi, was carried out earlier this month with teams from both zoos ensuring safe transportation of animals.

On March 6, 2026, a team from IGZP arrived at Nandankanan to coordinate logistics. The approved transfers took place on March 7, followed by acquisitions on March 10. Both zoo teams worked together to guarantee the animals’ well-being during transit.

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Under the programme, IGZP received swamp deer (1 male, 2 females), four-horned antelope (1 male, 2 females), Assamese macaque (1 male, 1 female), mouse deer (2 males, 2 females), and gharials (1 male, 2 females) from Nandankanan.

In return, Nandankanan welcomed ring-tailed lemurs (1 male, 1 female), wild dogs (1 male, 1 female), a sulphur-crested cockatoo (1 male), bonnet macaques (2 males, 2 females), and nilgai (1 male, 1 female).

The arrival of ring-tailed lemurs has expanded Nandankanan’s animal collection to 178 species, enhancing its diversity and appeal for visitors. Zoo authorities emphasized that such exchanges not only enrich collections but also strengthen conservation efforts and educational outreach.

This exchange marks another milestone in Nandankanan’s ongoing efforts to provide a diverse and engaging experience for visitors while contributing to wildlife preservation.