The new crew in Visakhapatnam zoo: Marmosets, wallabies and meerkats move in

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam welcomes new animal species, enhancing biodiversity and promoting wildlife conservation efforts.

Spread over 625 acres in the heart of Visakhapatnam, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located in the Seethakonda Reserve Forest and houses around 930 animals belonging to 94 species in a natural ambiance.

In a significant addition, the zoo recently welcomed a fascinating array of new inhabitants: red-necked wallabies, common marmosets, squirrel monkeys, and slender-tailed meerkats and bird such as green winged macaw, scarlet macaw, military macaw and medium sulphur crested cockatoo. These new additions are part of the zoo’s ongoing efforts to enhance biodiversity, provide educational opportunities, and promote wildlife conservation. As they settle into their new environments, both zoo staff and visitors are keenly observing their adaptation processes.

These animals were received in exchange for striped hyena, hog deer, painted stork, grey pelican, star tortoise, gharial, jungle cat, dhole, wolf and Indian gaur with the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Jamnagar in Gujarat. The zoo curator Nandani Salaria, who has played a key role in bringing the new species, shares their significance. “Only a few zoos in India, which includes zoos in Musuru, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata, have the red-necked wallabies, marmosets, squirrel monkey and meerkats. The animals are doing well in their new homes and have been a major crowd-puller,” says Nandani.

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park has implemented a comprehensive adaptation strategy, focusing on habitat stimulation, gradual acclimatisation, dietary management, enrichment programmes and veterinary care.

The red-necked wallaby, native to Australia, is known for its robust build and distinctive reddish fur around the neck. The introduction of these marsupials at the zoo has been a significant attraction. The wallabies have been provided with a habitat that mimics their natural bushland environment, complete with ample space for hopping and foraging. “We have provided hiding sites for the animals to minimise stress; it’s one type of environmental enrichment. A few hanging tree branches are placed in the enclosures for them to reach out and eat,” says the curator. Their diet includes hay, alfalfa and pelletes.

Known as the smallest of the monkeys native to South America, the marmosets, with their inquisitive nature and distinctive appearance, have quickly become a favourite among zoo visitors. The zoo has created a complex enclosure with plenty of vertical space, branches, and platforms to accommodate the marmosets’ arboreal lifestyle.

The marmosets have adapted well, exhibiting natural behaviors such as climbing, foraging, and social grooming. The zoo has paid special attention to their dietary needs, providing a variety of fruits, insects, and tree gum to mimic their natural diet. Their playful antics are drawing not just visitors, but also Nature photographers who are spending a long time to capture the movements.