Hyderabad zoo to get pair of mandrills
HYDERABAD: Nehru Zoological Park will acquire a pair of mandrills from Tata Zoological Park in Jamshedpur under an animal exchange programme, officials said.
Primate count fell sharply in recent years
Zoo officials said NZP once housed more than 36 primate species, but the number dropped to seven or eight in recent years due to breeding challenges, animal-care issues and natural deaths.
Officials aim to revive primate section
“The zoo used to be known for its primate collection, but so far, we haven’t taken any dedicated efforts to revive their population. By bringing in mandrills, we not only increase our primate collection but also add an attraction for visitors,” said Sunil S Hiremath, director of NZP.
Mandrills part of zoo’s long-term expansion plan
The exchange is part of the zoo’s master plan to add more exotic species, secure more than 250 species of animals and birds, and renovate existing facilities.
