Sambalpur: Animal Exchange; Hogdeers Arrive at Sambalpur Zoo from Nandankanan

Sambalpur: Anshupragyan Das, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Hirakud Wildlife Division, reports that eight hogdeers have been transported from Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar to Sambalpur Zoo as part of an animal exchange program.

The transferred group includes four male and four female Hogdeers. In return, Nandankanan Zoo will receive five Sambars (two male and three female) from Sambalpur Zoo, which currently has a sufficient population of Sambars.

The Hogdeers will undergo a one-month quarantine period before being put on display for visitors at Sambalpur Zoo, Das stated. Hogdeers, also known as Indochina Hogdeers, are commonly found in Southeast Asia, the US, and Australia, with their skin color changing seasonally. Males have conspicuous antlers, and their long whistle calls can be heard during dawn and dusk. Classified as a Schedule-3 animal under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, their wild lifespan is around 20 years.

This exchange follows a successful relocation of eight blackbucks from Nandankanan to Hirakud Wildlife Division in December last year. Visitors like seeing the animals in good health. During the fiscal year 2023-24, the wildlife authorities have also established a nocturnal house, an open orchidarium, and a rose garden.

Presently, the Sambalpur Zoo is home to 18 different species, including leopards, bears, sambar, chowsingha, blackbucks, deer, pythons, peacocks, and other colorful birds. According to the zoo’s new master plan, an additional 30 species of wild animals, including tigers, nilgai, bison, wolves, and wild dogs, are set to be introduced in the coming years.