Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Through an animal exchange scheme, 15 new species will be introduced to Odisha’s Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP). In order to assist the transfer of animals authorized by the Central Zoo Authority, a nine-member team from Nandankanan, headed by Assistant Conservator of Forests (SBG) Dr. Sudipta Kumar Panda, recently visited Pilikula Zoological Park in Mangaluru, Karnataka, according to reports. NZP will provide Pilikula Zoo a pair of golden pheasants (1:1), silver pheasants (1:1), Asiatic lions (1:0), gharials (1:1), and Indian grey wolves (1:0) as part of this trade.
Two pairs of Reticulated pythons (2:2), two Wild dogs (2:2), two Brahminy kites (1:1), two Large egrets (0:2), and one male and two female Common palm civets (1:2) will all be given to Nandankanan in exchange. In addition to helping introducing new bloodlines into other species, the exchange program intends to mate big egrets, Brahminy kites, and wild dogs. On their way to and from Mangaluru, the team will stop at Bandipur, Nellore, and Visakhapatnam. The deadline for finishing the program is November 10, 2024. Through deliberate breeding and genetic variety, this exchange supports conservation efforts while enhancing biodiversity at Nandankanan and adding to the park’s collection.
