Surat Zoo Acquires Royal Bengal Tigers in Landmark Animal Exchange Programme
In a significant development for wildlife conservation and zoo management, the Sarthana Nature Park Zoo in Surat has successfully received a pair of majestic Royal Bengal tigers. This acquisition forms part of a comprehensive multi-species exchange programme conducted with the renowned Nandankanan Zoological Park located near Bhubaneswar. The tigers are currently undergoing a careful adjustment period within their new habitat and will be made available for public viewing in the near future.
Details of the Extensive Animal Exchange
The exchange was a substantial operation involving numerous animals from both facilities. To facilitate the transfer of the Royal Bengal tigers, the Surat zoo dispatched a valuable contingent of species to Nandankanan. This included five Smooth-coated otters, two male Indian grey wolves, ten Indian star tortoises, and a pair of silver pheasants.
In reciprocation, Sarthana Zoo welcomed a diverse group of animals from Nandankanan. The highlight is undoubtedly the pair of Bengal tigers, accompanied by two female Indian grey wolves, three four-horned antelopes, two barking deer, and five Indian jackals. Given the considerable number of animals involved, the entire exchange process was meticulously executed in two separate rounds to ensure safety and welfare.
Official Approval and Careful Transportation
The initiative to bring the tiger pair to Surat was formally set in motion after securing the necessary approvals from the Central Zoo Authority, India's regulatory body for zoo management. The tigers, a male named Abhay and a female named Shree, are both three years old and have been bred in captivity.
Their journey from Bhubaneswar to Surat was conducted via road transport, with a dedicated team of zoo officials overseeing the operation. This team travelled with essential equipment, medications, and sufficient manpower to guarantee the animals' security and comfort throughout the transit.
Acclimatization Process for the New Arrivals
Dr. Rajesh Patel, the superintendent of Sarthana Zoo, provided insights into the tigers' current status. "The male tiger was initially placed in an open enclosure for a few hours, but a full adjustment will require time. We plan to gradually introduce both tigers into separate open enclosures. Eventually, they will be housed together," he explained.
Zoo officials have noted that the tigers are presently experiencing discomfort and displaying unusual behaviour, which is attributed to the sudden change in their captive environment. Such reactions are common during relocation, and the zoo staff is closely monitoring their adaptation.
Smooth-coated Otters: A Key Asset for Surat Zoo
Officials highlighted the critical role played by Smooth-coated otters in enabling this and other animal acquisitions. The Surat zoo has gained recognition as the only facility in India where Smooth-coated otters are successfully breeding in captivity. This unique success has made them a highly valuable species for exchange programmes, allowing Sarthana Zoo to obtain various animals from different parts of the country.
Expanding the Tiger Population at Sarthana
Prior to this exchange, Sarthana Zoo was home to one male Bengal tiger named Rudra, which was originally brought from Indore. The addition of the new zoo-bred pair significantly enhances the zoo's tiger population and contributes to genetic diversity and conservation efforts. The arrival of these Royal Bengal tigers marks a notable achievement for the zoo, promising an enriched experience for visitors and bolstering regional wildlife conservation initiatives.
