Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha’s capital welcomed its new member after the female chimpanzee Rakhi was blessed with a baby for the first time. Reportedly, Rakhi delivered the baby early this morning.
The chimpanzee Julu was induced to mate with chimpanzee Rakhi. The health condition of both Rakhi and her newborn chimpanzee is stable, added reports.
With the birth of the baby chimp today, the number of chimpanzees in Nandankanan has risen to eight. The gender of the newborn has not yet been determined.
Among the eight chimpanzees, two are males identified as Julu and Raja while five are females identified as Pampeta, Purnima, Lakhmi, Durga, and Rakhi.
The two chimpanzees Julu and Pampeta were brought to Nandankanan from the Singapore Zoo in 1994. While the chimpanzee is not found in any other place in India, the animal of the African forest species here have grown their ancestry sharply.
As a result, in 2013, one male chimpanzee, Kartika, and another female chimpanzee, Subhadra, were shifted from Nandankanan zoo to the Patna Zoo whereas a female Giraffe, Khusi, was brought to Nandankanan was brought from there.
It is to be noted that the Botanical Garden of Nandankanan Zoological Park reopened for visitors from December 1. The people who wish to have a feast can visit Nandankanan’s official website to book the spot and cottage for a picnic in the botanical garden. The entry ticket for all above 12-years-old will be Rs 20.
Ms Kalinga