State zoo receives 15 new species through animal exchange

Guwahati: The Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden has received 15 new species through their animal exchange programme with Chandigarh's Chhatbir Zoo. The new arrivals, which reached the facility on Friday night, include three bird species that are making their debut at the zoo.
Among the newly introduced avian species are the Java Sparrow, Chukar Partridge and Comb Duck. The zoo has also welcomed other birds including the Golden Pheasant, Emu and Kalij Pheasant, along with a blackbuck.
Ashwini Kumar, state zoo DFO, said, "These animals which have arrived have been placed under quarantine, where they are being closely monitored and cared for until they acclimatize to their new environment."
As part of the exchange arrangement, the DFO mentioned that the Assam State Zoo would provide a female hippopotamus, a pair of leopards and two pairs of mouse deer to the partner institution.
The zoological park presently maintains a diverse collection of 120 species, with the total number of animals surpassing 1,200. The facility takes pride in housing several notable species, including rhinoceros, tiger, giraffe, lion, kangaroo, orangutan and hoolock gibbon.