Mandrills introduced at Hyderabad zoo

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Nehru Zoological Park has added a new attraction with the introduction of two male Mandrill siblings to its primate collection. The 23-month-old mandrills were formally released into their enclosure for public display at the Primate Park on Thursday.

The animals were brought under an exchange programme with Jamshedpur Zoo, with the Hyderabad zoo providing a pair of African lions in return. After arriving last month, the mandrills were kept under a mandatory 45-day quarantine before being cleared for display.

The release was carried out by Vinay Kumar, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Telangana, in the presence of zoo officials including Director of Zoo Parks Dr Sunil S. Hiremath and Curator J. Vasantha, along with staff members.

Speaking on the occasion, Vinay Kumar said the zoo has achieved notable success in wildlife conservation and breeding, covering both indigenous and exotic species. He added that continuous efforts are being made to enhance the animal population and improve visitor experience.

Currently, the zoo houses around 196 species with over 2,100 individual animals. Officials expressed confidence that the addition of mandrills will attract more visitors, especially during the upcoming summer season.