Van Vihar may soon see zebra stripes & giraffe necks rising above its enclosure

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh forest department has urged the Union govt to fast-track formalities to import five zebras and five giraffes from Botswana, after a prospective donor there expressed willingness to supply the animals.Official correspondence accessed by The Times of India showed the state govt pressed the Centre to expedite the process as it sought to expand its African wildlife introduction programme.The proposal involved importing five zebras and five giraffes, which officials indicated were likely to be housed at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal, once regulatory approvals were secured and habitat arrangements were completed. According to a communication sent by additional chief secretary (Forest) Ashok Barnwal, the state requested: Zebras: 2 males and 3 females, around three years old and Giraffes: 2 males and 3 females, also around three years old.Officials said the selection of animals in this age bracket aimed to ensure they could adapt better to the new environment and remain capable of breeding.The proposal was part of a broader vision by the MP govt to create African savanna-style wildlife experiences in select locations, building on the international attention generated by the cheetah reintroduction programme at Kuno National Park.Sources in the forest department said the state was keen to move quickly once the Centre cleared procedural requirements, including wildlife import permits, quarantine protocols and clearances under international wildlife trade regulations.Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey questioned the priority being given to importing exotic species while several native habitats faced conservation challenges. "Instead of focusing on protecting India's native habitats, the MP govt is prioritising the procurement of zebras and giraffes from Botswana. Since when did ‘wildlife cooperation' become a shopping list for international exotic species."