Gharial, jungle cat, white tiger new attractions at Bannerghatta Biological Park

BENGALURU: The Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) has welcomed new guests as part of an animal exchange programme between Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Patna, Bihar with the approval of Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.

As part of the exchange, Bannerghatta Biological Park sent one male zebra and two male thamin deer to Patna zoo. In return, the park received a gharial (endangered species), a white tiger, and a jungle cat.

The new animals have brought joy to the park. To help them acclimatise to Bengaluru’s weather, they will be kept in quarantine for a few days under constant observation by specially appointed staff.

This animal exchange programme aims to contribute to the conservation and breeding of animals in zoos, provide tourists with opportunities to see animals closely, and educate people about the diverse wildlife across India.

The Indian zoo community has undertaken this significant animal exchange programme to promote conservation, education and understanding of various animal species.

On Wednesday, a lorry transporting the endangered gharials and other animals from Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna to Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru overturned near Mondigutta forest checkpost in Telangana’s Nirmal district.

The lorry, carrying eight crocodiles, two white elephants, two tigers and other animals, crashed into cement pillars and fell off the road into the wild after the driver lost control of the vehicle. A case was registered against the driver for rash driving.