Black Panther arrives at Vizag zoo in animal exchange programme

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park has received a female black panther as part of an animal exchange programme with Assam State Zoo, zoo officials said.

The rare melanistic leopard arrived on Thursday morning, marking a significant moment for the zoo, as visitors in Visakhapatnam will be able to see the species there for the first time in nearly four decades.

Along with the black panther, the zoo has also received several other animals, including a Himalayan black bear, a common leopard, an Asiatic lion, and an Asian palm civet.

Officials said the arrival of a wild male leopard from Assam is particularly important, as it will help strengthen the genetic diversity of the zoo’s leopard population.

As part of the exchange, the Visakhapatnam zoo has sent several animals to Guwahati, including ring-tailed lemurs, stump-tailed macaques, jungle cats, green iguanas, and striped hyenas.

Zoo authorities said such exchanges are part of a regular programme among zoos across India to manage wildlife populations while also allowing visitors to see a wider range of species.

However, the newly arrived animals will not be displayed immediately.

“All the new residents have been placed under the mandatory quarantine period as per standard health protocols to ensure they are healthy and adapt to the new environment. After the quarantine period, they will be shifted to their permanent enclosures for public viewing,” a zoo official said.

The black panther, known for its rare melanistic coat and striking presence, is expected to become a major attraction for visitors once it is placed on display.