Hyd zoo to acquire pair of mandrills

Hyderabad: In a move to revive its primate collection, the Nehru Zoological Park is set to acquire a pair of mandrills through an animal exchange programme with the Tata Zoological Park in Jamshedpur, authorities have said.NZP, which once had a thriving primate collection with over 36 species, has seen its population reduce to seven to eight species in the last few years due to complications in breeding and animal care, apart from natural deaths. "The zoo used to be known for its primate collection, but so far, we haven't taken any dedicated efforts to revive their population. By bringing in mandrills, not only do we increase our primate collection, but also add an attraction for visitors," said Sunil S Hiremath, director of NZP.The deal is part of the NZP's master plan to introduce more exotic species such as mandrills, secure more than 250 species of animals and birds, and renovate the zoo's existing facilities.tnnThe mandrills are expected to arrive in a few months, officials said. This is at least the fourth animal exchange that Nehru Zoological Park has completed this year