Patna: In a boost to wildlife conservation and breeding efforts, Patna Zoo has initiated talks with Singapore Zoo to acquire a pair of two-horned white rhinos under the Central Zoo Authority’s animal exchange programme. If finalised, it will mark the first introduction of the African species to the city zoo.Patna Zoo currently houses 10 one-horned rhinos, including four females and six males. Officials said the addition of white rhinos would diversify the zoo’s rhino collection and strengthen its educational and conservation profile. Native to Africa, white rhinos are among the world’s largest land mammals and are known for their grazing habits.The move revives earlier plans to expand the zoo’s rhino population. Previous efforts to bring rhinos from Vietnam could not materialise because of disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.Zoo director Hemant Patil said discussions were underway with Singapore Zoo authorities regarding the exchange programme. “Currently, they have one male rhino, but they will arrange one female from another zoo. In exchange, they want one male one-horned rhino from Patna Zoo and some species from the deer family. We are in the initial stage of talks and things will proceed with the govt’s approval,” he said.Officials said the sea route is being preferred over air transport as it would significantly reduce transportation costs for shifting the animals between Singapore and Patna.Authorities believe the arrival of the white rhino pair would further strengthen long-term conservation efforts at the zoo. Patna Zoo already operates a dedicated Rhino Breeding Centre, established in 2019, which has successfully produced multiple healthy calves as part of ex-situ conservation efforts.The zoo is recognised as the world’s second-largest rhino conservation centre in captivity after the San Diego Zoo in the US in terms of captive rhino population.Earlier, Patna Zoo received a white tigress, sangai deer and rosy pelicans from Delhi Zoo, besides green iguanas and silver pheasants from Rohtak Zoo in Haryana. In exchange, Patna Zoo sent wolves, a male tiger, gharials and other animals to partner zoos.
