Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park here has selected South Africa’s Induna Primate and Parrot Park in North West province to source four cheetahs, marking a major step in the zoo’s plan to exhibit the species for the first time.Zoo authorities said the implementing agency for the acquisition was chosen through a tendering process, following prescribed procedure. After receiving govt approval, the agency was formally awarded the work to procure four cheetahs, comprising two males and two females. Sources said cheetahs were not seen in any forest or sanctuary (wild) in the state in the past 60 years. Currently, this species of animal is found in the wild and in captivity in South and North Africa. Also, they are lodged in some zoos in India.Nandankanan Zoo deputy director Abhay Dalei said the animals are planned to be flown to Bhubaneswar through the private agency associated with the cheetah project. “Documentation and statutory formalities required for the international transfer are currently underway. The acquisition is being carried out in compliance with applicable wildlife protection laws and in accordance with regulatory guidelines governing such transfers,” he told TOI.Cheetahs are a rare species, very agile, and run as fast as 120 km per hour. They follow their prey, make it restless and then hunt. So, they require plain, meadow-rich land for the hunt. “Considering their nature and environment, they will acclimatise well, and facilities accordingly would be created at Nandankanan Zoo,” Dalei added.The zoo administration said support from ‘patrons of Nandankanan’ would be taken during the process, including animal handling, documentation, quarantine and transportation. “Construction of a new enclosure is under way. The exhibit will be an African savannah-themed one. The facility is being developed over 2,329 square metres, with the main exhibit area covering 1,852.5 square metres,” officials said. Officials added that the enclosure has been designed as an expansive and naturalistic habitat intended to recreate the African savannah environment. The design aims to support the animals’ physical and mental well-being by providing sufficient space to run, climb and display natural behaviour. Species-specific enrichment features are also being incorporated to improve animal welfare while enhancing visitors’ experience.Construction of the enclosure is nearing completion and remains a high-priority project for the zoo. Once the transfer process is over and the animals arrive, Nandankanan is expected to become one of the few zoological institutions in the region to house cheetahs in a specially designed, natural-like setting.
