Bhubaneswar, Mar 20: Good news for wildlife enthusiasts as the long-awaited animal exchange between Nandankanan Zoological Park and Junagadh’s Sakkarbaugh Zoo in Gujarat has officially begun.

Under the new initiative, seven animals from three species have been sent from Nandankanan to Junagadh, while 18 animals from three species will arrive at Nandankanan from Sakkarbaugh Zoo. The process received approval from the Central Zoo Authority before it commenced.

On the late evening of Thursday, March 19, a Nandankanan team transported seven animals, including an male parakeet, three female Chousingha antelopes, and two female Kuzi deer, to Sakkarbaug Zoo. In exchange, Junagadh will send two pairs of Demoiselle cranes, two pairs of cheetahs, and five pairs of wild jungle fowl to Nandankanan.

Officials said that the exchange will introduce new species to Nandankanan and help in genetic diversity, reducing the risk of inbreeding and enhancing the overall health of the animals.