Bhubaneswar: A pair each of male and female African cheetahs will be shipped to Odisha rather than transported in a cargo plane, Nandankanan zoo authorities said, a move that is expected to keep the cost down.Zoo officials said sourcing the animals, handling, crating services, transport and documentation work together will cost the state govt Rs 2 crore. According to a zoo official, one fourth of the amount is likely to be spent in shipment alone. This could more than double if the cheetahs are made to fly.Cheetahs are being brought to Odisha for the first time. Considering the trans-oceanic voyage, it will take about a month to bring the cheetahs to the zoo, where a suitable enclosure has been created to keep the animals comfortable and ensure their survival.Zoo deputy director Pradeep Mirase said, “The private agency that has been selected has experience in coordinating with foreign zoos to bring animals in shipment, which we think is cost effective compared to a dedicated cargo plane. I think on the ship, we will need one container and four separate cages of a standard size (as per international norms)”.The private agency engaged for the purpose has selected South Africa’s Induna Primate and Parrot Park in North West province as the source institution for four cheetahs, which will be put on exhibit for the first time in a zoo.Nandankanan authorities said the implementing agency for the acquisition was chosen through a tender process, following prescribed norms. After receiving govt approval, the agency was formally awarded the work to procure four cheetahs, comprising two males and two females.
