Chennai’s Vandalur zoo gets Himalayan black bear and leopard cats

Chennai: The Arignar Anna Zoological Park has received new wildlife arrivals, adding fresh interest for visitors while strengthening ongoing conservation efforts at the facility.A pair of Himalayan black bear and a pair of leopard cat were recently brought from the Jammu Zoological Park as part of an inter-zoo animal exchange programme aimed at improving genetic diversity and supporting conservation breeding.The animals have been placed under a mandatory 21-day quarantine, during which zoo veterinarians and animal keepers are closely monitoring their health, feeding patterns and behaviour. Only after completing the quarantine protocol will they be shifted to the public exhibit enclosures.Deputy director Manish Meena said the quarantine period allows the animals to gradually adapt to Chennai's climate and their new surroundings while ensuring they are free from infectious diseases before joining the zoo's main collection. With the arrival of the new pair, the zoo now houses five Himalayan black bears.Zoo officials are optimistic that the new bears will help initiate a successful captive breeding programme for the species at Vandalur. The Himalayan black bear, listed as vulnerable in the wild, is easily recognised by the distinctive white crescent-shaped marking on its chest.The arrival of the leopard cats is also significant, as the species is returning to the zoo after a gap of more than two decades. The pair will strengthen the zoo's carnivore collection and offer visitors a chance to see the elusive small wild cat.As part of the exchange arrangement, a pair of hippopotamus from Vandalur will be sent to the Jammu zoo. Animal keepers from Jammu zoo will be trained on providing feed to the hippos, maintenance of its enclosure and health care of the animals.Zoo authorities said several species, including hippos and ostriches, are breeding successfully at the facility. The park is also recognised as a captive breeding centre for the endangered lion-tailed macaque, a primate endemic to the Western Ghats, where specially designed habitats have helped improve breeding success.