Vizag Zoo acquires new pair of giraffes

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam acquired new animals, including a pair of giraffes, as part of an animal exchange program with the Zoological Garden of Alipore in Kolkata. The AP Forest Department officials arrived in Vizag on Saturday with the animals.

In exchange for a female White Tiger, a pair of Indian Grey Wolf, three male and two female Indian Wild dogs, as well as pairs of Ring Tailed Lemur, Black Swan, Hog Deer, and Striped Hyenas, Alipore Zoo provided Vizag Zoo with a male and a female Northern Giraffe, two pairs of Water Monitor Lizards, and a pair of Scarlet Macaws. The exchange aims to optimize the welfare of the animals under the care and contribute to the preservation of endangered species.

The IGZP team, led by AP Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) Wildlife, CCF, Visakhapatnam, DCF, IGZP, and a veterinary team, embarked on a road trip on April 22 to safely transport the giraffes from Alipore Zoo to Vizag Zoo. The team, consisting of Dr. Navin Kumar, Dr. Phaneendra, Dr. Purushotham, and other zoo staff, traveled approximately 856 kilometers, ensuring the animals' well-being throughout the journey.

The exchange brings new species to IGZP, including the Scarlet Macaw, which is the largest and most colorful bird species and is expected to be a new attraction for visitors. The IGZP team successfully completed this challenging exchange program, particularly in transporting the large giraffes over a long distance. Curator Nandani Salaria expressed gratitude for the guidance and support provided by senior officers from the AP Forest Department, as well as officials from the police department, NHAI, and Alipore Zoo.

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