Ranchi Zoo Gets Giraffe, Silver Pheasants | Under a significant animal exchange programme between Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, Ranchi and Alipore Zoological Garden, Kolkata, a female Northern Giraffe and a pair of Silver Pheasants were brought to Ranchi on Thursday.
The giraffe, named “Misty”, is 6-year-old, and belongs to the Northern Giraffe species primarily found in the protected regions of East and Central Africa, including Kenya, South Sudan, Chad, Niger, and the Central African Republic.
Giraffes are herbivores and are typically fed leaves from various trees and grasses in zoos. The average lifespan of a giraffe is around 19–20 years in captivity and 17–18 years in the wild.
Director of the Biological Park, Jabbar Singh, stated that this was a long-pending and significant exchange, successfully executed after considerable coordination. He further mentioned, “A male giraffe will be brought to Ranchi in the next phase. Due to Misty’s height of over 12 feet, a custom 14-foot-high enclosure was constructed.”
Despite being transported on a low-floor trailer, her height remained around 16–17 feet, requiring nearly 24 hours of travel from Kolkata to Ranchi.
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At the time of the giraffe’s arrival and unloading, Paritosh Upadhyay, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Jharkhand, was present and personally participated in guiding the giraffe safely into its night shelter.
The successful transportation and exchange were made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Assistant Conservator of Forests, veterinary team, range officers, zoologists, forest guards, zoo staff, and personnel from both Ranchi and Alipore zoos.
As part of this exchange, an ostrich is being sent from Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park to Alipore Zoo. In the next phase, other approved animals including a hippopotamus, Himalayan black bear, and gharial will be exchanged. This collaborative program not only strengthens ties between the two institutions but also enhances wildlife conservation efforts and enriches the zoo experience for visitors by diversifying the animal species on display.
