Jammu, Mar 13 (NVI): The Jambu Zoo has welcomed a pair of hippopotamuses brought from Arignar Anna Zoological Park as part of an animal exchange programme approved by the Central Zoo Authority, officials said on Friday.
The pair of hippos was brought to Jammu in exchange for a pair of Himalayan Black Bear from the zoo, they said.
The initiative to bring hippopotamuses to the zoo was conceived by Sarvesh Rai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Jammu and Kashmir, who earlier served as the Chief Wildlife Warden of the Union Territory.
Officials said the Hippopotamus, one of the largest land mammals and native to sub-Saharan Africa, arrived at the zoo on Friday after being transported from Chennai by train under special arrangements to maintain their body temperature using water sprinklers during the journey.
The animals will remain under a mandatory quarantine period of 15 days before being put on public display, they added.
The transportation team included Noor-ul-Amin, Sudesh Kotwal, animal keepers Anwar and Mukhtiar, and veterinary assistant surgeon Dr Ranjit Katoch.
Chief Wildlife Warden Chaturbhuja Behera welcomed the new arrivals and said the hippopotamuses are expected to become a major attraction for visitors. He also.—(NVI)
