Key Facts
The National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi is actively seeking mates for at least 16 animal and bird species that are currently single or in same-sex groups. The initiative aims to boost breeding, improve animal welfare, and enhance genetic diversity, according to zoo director Sanjeet Kumar.
Details of the Mate Search
Kumar stated that multiple exchange programmes are at different stages of discussion, with the immediate focus on pairing single-sex animals. “The exchanges are at different stages of discussion. Based on our requirements, we can then give away surplus species. Our prime focus is to pair the single sex animals, while also infusing a fresh bloodline,” he said.
Discussions are underway with Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park at Chhatbir, Punjab; Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, Ranchi; Rohtak Zoo, Haryana; and Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
Species in Need of Partners
The 16 species include ostrich, rhea, Egyptian vulture, Indian grey hornbill, grey langur, small Indian civet, rhinoceros, black bear, barn owl, grey francolin, black francolin, black swan, bar-headed goose, spoonbill, porcupine, and blue-winged macaw.
Officials said some species have remained without mates for years and are being prioritised:
- Two male ostriches (aged 7–8 years)
- A nine-year-old female rhea (at the zoo since 2018)
- A male Egyptian vulture (over 20 years old)
- A male Indian grey hornbill (around 10 years)
- A 15-year-old male grey langur
- A lone male small Indian civet
- A single male black swan
- An 18-year-old female rhinoceros
The rhino enclosure had briefly housed a breeding pair after a male was brought to Delhi in 2024, but the animal died last year. Similarly, the zoo’s black bear population now comprises four females after the death of a male bear in 2024.
The zoo is also seeking female partners for a male barn owl (alone since 2022), a male grey francolin, a male black francolin, a male spoonbill, and a male Indian civet. Male partners are being sought for a lone female porcupine, a female blue-winged macaw, and the remaining female bar-headed geese.
Challenges and Previous Efforts
An official, who did not wish to be named, revealed that some previous exchange efforts had failed. “The two male ostriches came from Chhatbir zoo in 2021 and have stayed without partners since. A previous exchange never materialised. We also have four black bears, all females. A male had died three years ago. Even amongst the females, two are fairly old, and one cannot see properly. A male rhino was also brought to the zoo in 2024 as a partner for the female, but it died last year, so now another male is needed,” the official said, adding that a more proactive approach could help these species find companions sooner.
Impact and What Readers Should Know
This mate search is crucial for maintaining healthy populations and genetic diversity in captivity. Successful exchanges will improve animal welfare and contribute to conservation efforts. The zoo hopes to finalise agreements with partner zoos soon.
FAQ
Why is Delhi Zoo seeking mates for its animals?
To boost breeding, improve animal welfare, and enhance genetic diversity among species that are currently single-sex or lone individuals.
Which species are being prioritised?
Species that have been without mates for years, such as two male ostriches, a female rhea, a male Egyptian vulture, and a female rhinoceros, among others.
Which zoos is Delhi Zoo collaborating with?
Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park (Chhatbir, Punjab), Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park (Ranchi), Rohtak Zoo (Haryana), and Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden (Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh).
What challenges has Delhi Zoo faced in previous exchange efforts?
Some exchanges did not materialise, such as finding partners for the two male ostriches brought from Chhatbir in 2021, and a male rhino brought in 2024 died last year.