Delhi Zoo suspends animal exchange with Assam amid rising temperatures

GUWAHATI: Amidst scorching temperatures in Delhi, the National Zoological Park has temporarily suspended its animal exchange programme with Assam due to unfavourable weather conditions.

According to reports, Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar stated that the rising temperatures are not conducive to transporting animals.

“We have decided to put the animal exchange programme on hold until weather conditions improve,” Kumar explained.

“As part of the programme, we intended to exchange one of our female rhinoceroses for a male rhinoceros from Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, along with tigers and blackbucks.”

Kumar noted that the exchange has been halted temporarily due to the current weather conditions.

“We plan to proceed with the exchange in June, once we have completed all necessary safety assessments,” he added.

According to IMD data, 2024 has been relatively warmer compared to the previous year, with an average maximum temperature of 35.3 degrees Celsius.

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The National Zoological Park approached the Assam zoo for a male rhinoceros as they have not had one for the past nine years, an official from the Delhi Zoo stated.

In 2013, the NZP acquired a 34-year-old male rhinoceros named Shiva from Mumbai's Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo.

Unfortunately, Shiva passed away on June 18, 2014, due to cancer. Since then, the zoo has had two female rhinoceroses.

As part of the exchange programme, the Assam zoo requested a female rhinoceros and a Bengal tigress.

“Delhi's zoo currently houses two female rhinoceroses, Maheshwari and her daughter Anjuna,” the official added.

Established in 1952, the National Zoological Park spans 176 acres under the jurisdiction of the central government.