In exchange plan, Delhi Zoo to get stump tailed macaque

Delhi Zoo plans to carry out exchanges with Chandigarh and Aizawl zoos; experts say August-September period is ideal for animals to be shifted

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

The Delhi Zoo is planning to conduct a number of animal exchanges with at least two other facilities in the country in the coming weeks, which will take the zoo’s total species count to 97.

Officials on Friday said the move will see the introduction of a new species to the zoo — the stump-tailed macaque from the Aizawl zoo. In exchange, the Delhi zoo will send six silver pheasants to Aizawl. Currently, the Delhi Zoo houses 96 different animal species.

The zoo said it plans to exchange the hog deer with Chandigarh’s Chhatbir zoo. It will also carry out exchange of other deer species, zoos for which are yet to be finalised. Officials said that the move is aimed at reducing inbreeding, a key factor in the high mortality rate of deer. Lone animals will also be given partners, officials added.

The August-September period is considered ideal for such exchanges owing to the suitable weather conditions.

Akanksha Mahajan, director of Delhi zoo, said a meeting was held on Tuesday, during which the exchanges were discussed and planned.