Hyderabad zoo will soon add kangaroos, wallabies, ring-tailed lemurs and a cassowary to its animal collection after Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, agreed to share the animals with Nehru Zoological Park (NZP). A pair of zebras is also expected to arrive from Vantara.
Zoo officials said Vantara is expected to send two kangaroos, one male and one female, along with the other species. NZP has already prepared a large enclosure and supporting infrastructure for the new arrivals. The additions will expand the zoo’s collection and restore four species that officials said have not been part of the facility’s inventory for more than two decades.
Wallabies, which are smaller relatives of kangaroos and stand at around three feet, will be introduced alongside the taller kangaroos, which can reach about eight feet. Ring-tailed lemurs will expand the zoo’s primate collection, while the cassowary will add another flightless bird species to the facility.
The zebra enclosure is also scheduled for expansion. Vantara had earlier shared three zebras with NZP, and the arrival of another pair is expected to increase the number of animals in that enclosure.
All the animals will undergo quarantine for approximately 30 to 45 days after reaching Hyderabad. They will be displayed to visitors only after the quarantine period is completed, according to zoo officials. The process is intended to allow the animals to be observed and managed before they are introduced into their enclosures.
The additions come as NZP continues to expand its animal inventory under exchange and cooperation programmes. Earlier this year, the zoo received two mandrills from Jamshedpur Zoo and shared a pair of African lions in return.
Officials said Nehru Zoological Park currently houses 196 species and more than 2,100 animals. The planned arrivals are part of the administration’s efforts to expand the collection as visitor numbers remain high.
