Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Following Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s directive to explore possibilities of bringing giraffes and zebras to Madhya Pradesh, the state forest department has decided to float an international tender to acquire these exotic animals.
In addition to this initiative, the department is also in advanced talks to bring wild buffaloes from Assam. A senior forest official said that an international tender will soon be floated to procure giraffes and zebras from Africa.
Since no part of the state currently houses these species, once an agreement is reached with an African country, logistical planning will begin. It is expected that the animals will be transported via sea, using a large cargo ship. “We are in the process of inviting an international tender to bring zebras and giraffes soon,” said Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) L. Krishnamurthy.
The exact number of animals to be imported is yet to be decided. Sources said that once the giraffes and zebras arrive, they will be housed at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal. Following the successful introduction of Gujarat’s famed Asiatic lions, Van Vihar is now preparing to welcome more rare wildlife species.
Plan revived
This is not the first time discussions have taken place about bringing giraffes and zebras from a South African country. Nearly two years ago, then-Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah had announced plans to introduce these exotic animals to Van Vihar.Following the announcement, Van Vihar officials prepared a detailed proposal. However, the plan was shelved due to a lack of financial clearance, as the estimated budget ran into crores of rupees. Now, with fresh momentum, the state is once again exploring the possibility of acquiring these animals.
Wild buffaloes
Sources in the forest department said that wild buffaloes are currently absent across Madhya Pradesh. To address this, the department is planning to bring four to five wild buffaloes from Assam.“We are in talks with Assam to acquire wild buffaloes. Once they arrive, they will be released into Kanha Tiger Reserve. In the second phase, additional buffaloes will be brought,” said a forest official.
