Exciting New Additions in Visakhapatnam Zoo: Meet the Adorable Marmosets, Wallabies, and Meerkats!
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam, located within the 625-acre Seethakonda Reserve Forest, recently expanded its biodiversity through an animal exchange program with Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This initiative welcomed species like red-necked wallabies, common marmosets, squirrel monkeys, and slender-tailed meerkats, alongside birds such as green-winged macaws, scarlet macaws, military macaws, and medium sulphur-crested cockatoos. These new residents are aimed at enhancing the zoo’s biodiversity, offering educational opportunities, and promoting wildlife conservation.
The zoo has meticulously prepared naturalistic habitats to ensure these animals acclimate smoothly. Red-necked wallabies, native to Australia, have been provided with bushland-like enclosures featuring ample space for hopping and foraging, as well as hiding spots to minimize stress. Common marmosets, the smallest monkeys native to South America, live in enclosures that simulate their arboreal lifestyle with branches and platforms. Their diet includes a variety of fruits, insects, and tree gum, helping them adapt naturally.
Meerkats, originating from the deserts of Southern Africa, inhabit a recreated semi-arid environment within the park. Their enclosure includes wooden logs, hiding sites, and lookout points, along with bamboo to reduce stress. Squirrel monkeys, known for their social nature and agility, reside next to the meerkats in an enriched environment designed to stimulate their physical and mental well-being.
Zoo curator Nandani Salaria emphasized that only a select few Indian zoos host species like red-necked wallabies, marmosets, squirrel monkeys, and meerkats. The animals’ successful adaptation and natural behaviors have already drawn significant visitor attention.
By showcasing these diverse species, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park not only captivates visitors but also underscores the critical importance of wildlife conservation and education. The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/the-new-crew-in-visakhapatnam-zoo-marmosets-wallabies-and-meerkats-move-in/article68471834.ece
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