As part of the animal exchange initiative, the Maharajbag Zoo is set to receive 10 black bucks and three four-horned antelopes (Chousingha) from the Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden in Bilaspur. Additionally, the Maharajbag zoo, already housing one male Chousingha, will be acquiring an extra male and two female Chousinghas from the Bilaspur Zoo.
This initiative follows the tragic loss of all black bucks due to flooding last September 23. The floodwaters infiltrated the black buck enclosure, resulting in the drowning of all the herbivores. Prior to this tragic event, the management of the Maharajbag Zoo had been in contact with the Bilaspur Zoo regarding the potential transfer of 10 black bucks. The zoo in Nagpur obtained permission from the Bilaspur Zoo, and now, it has received approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for the transfer of animals.
Obtaining permission from the CZA is obligatory for transferring animals from one zoo to another. This marks the second major exchange for Maharajbag Zoo within 13 months, with a previous transfer involving Hog Deer and Peahens. Last year, a leopard was sent to Bilaspur Zoo in exchange.