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*A pair of Giraffe brought to Nandankanan*.
As part of the approved animal exchange programme , one pair of Giraffe brought to Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar from Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata.
Since long, Nandankanan had only one female Giraffe,( Khusi) and attempts were on to give an opportunity to socialise the single Giraffe with other Giraffes.Khusi was brought from Patna Zoo in the year 2012. Before this one attempt was made in 2008 to bring giraffe from Alipore zoo, but it died enroute because of electrocution. Another attempt to bring giraffe was made in 2016. This time the male Giraffe was successfully landed at Nandankanan but died after 6 days due to Theileriosis.Since sizeable population of Giraffes is there only in very limited Zoos within India, to get the species was a challenge. PCCF(WL) Odisha & Nandankanan authority had discussions with Mysore, Patna & Alipore Zoo, to get Giraffes in exchange programmes. Finally after getting the consent from Alipore Zoo, proposal submitted to CZA, and approval received on 09.08.2024. Since bringing of Giraffe by road is a difficult task, a lot of precautions have been taken by Nandankanan authority to execute this task.

1.Nandankanan team conducted a preliminary survey of the route and identified threat locations.

2.Designed the transportation plan including the low bedded trailer and special crates to be used.

3.Made quarantine space for the Giraffes to be brought.

4. Coordinated transportation with the Collectors, SPs and DFOs enroute.

A 10 member team headed by Dr Rasmi Ranjan Swain, ACF executed the operation .

Dr Sarat Kumar Sahu, BVO, Dr Rajesh Kumar Mohapatra, Biologist , Susanta Behera, FG, Saikh Samsudin, Trailokya Maharana, Attendant, and out sourced employees namely Lokanatha Gauda, Lakhmidhar Bhoi, Sunil Behera, Gyanaranjan Rout were there in the team.

The team started the journey with the Giraffes on 31.08.2024 night and reached Nandankanan Zoological Park after 25 hours. The consignment was 16.5 feet high from ground and moved in an average speed of 25km per hour. At regular intervals both the Giraffes are inspected, feed and water are provided.

Director, Alipore Zoo supported in coordinating with Collectors & SPs of West Bengal Part. He also provided one giraffe keeper and a concerned attendant to escorts the Giraffe along with the Nandankanan team and stay at Nandankanan zoo for few days till giraffes get acquainted to new environment.

Collectors & SPs of Baleswar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack & Khurdha, DCP, Bhubaneswar, and DFOs of Baleswar, Bhadrak,& Cuttack supported the team enroute.

Escort of Police & Forest Department was ensured throughout the 25 hour arduous journey.

The local executive engineer, TPCODL was also preinformed. They have facilitated the journey by disconnecting electricity from hang wires from pitapalli to Nandankanan.

The team finally brought the Giraffes today at 11.50 pm
Male Giraffe is 1 Year 5 months old and the female Giraffe is 1 Year 1 months old. With this acquisition , Giraffe count of Nandankanan increased to 3(1:2).

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