Vizag zoo births draw praise from Deputy Chief Minister
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam reported 128 new arrivals across 12 species, including via artificial incubation. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan lauded the park’s conservation efforts and highlighted specific incubations as noteworthy.
Key takeaways
- IGZP Visakhapatnam recorded 128 new animals and birds across 12 species.
- Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan commended the park's conservation and breeding efforts.
- Two births occurred via artificial incubation: Red Jungle Fowl and Blue-gold Macaw.
- A striped hyena named Divya gave birth to three cubs; the hyena is Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
What Happened
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam welcomed 128 animals and birds spanning 12 species, according to park curator G. Mangamma. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan praised the Forest Department and zoo staff for successful births, mentioning the artificial incubation of a Red Jungle Fowl and a Blue-gold Macaw chick as notable. The new arrivals include a breakdown of species: 40 star tortoises, 35 wild boars, 20 spotted deer, 10 red jungle fowls, 7 Indian peafowls, 5 sambar deer, 3 striped hyena cubs, 2 Indian porcupines, 2 grey pelicans, 2 marmosets, 1 bison, and 1 blue-gold macaw. Two births resulted from artificial incubation: Red Jungle Fowl eggs were incubated for about 21 days to yield 10 chicks, and a Blue-gold Macaw egg was incubated at 37°C–38°C with 45–70% humidity, with the chick currently being hand-reared. A striped hyena named Divya gave birth to three cubs, and staff continue to monitor the animals. The park indicated the new arrivals are now visible to visitors under ongoing supervision.
Why It Matters
The park frames these births within its conservation breeding programmes, with staff using technology and veterinary care to support species that require controlled conditions for successful rearing. The deputy chief minister linked the effort to protecting biodiversity and to broader use of science and technology to sustain natural wealth for future generations.
Background
The announcements follow ongoing conservation and breeding efforts at IGZP, a facility under the Forest Department, with the park’s staff cited for their veterinary and keeper support in caring for newly born animals. The striped hyena is noted as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, underscoring the ecological role of the species within forest habitats.
Key Facts
- Location: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam
- Public official: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan
- Date of report: August 25, 2026
- Total new arrivals: 128 animals and birds
- Number of species: 12
- Explicit birth counts: 40 star tortoises; 35 wild boars; 20 spotted deer; 10 red jungle fowls; 7 Indian peafowls; 5 sambar deer; 3 striped hyena cubs; 2 Indian porcupines; 2 grey pelicans; 2 marmosets; 1 bison; 1 blue-gold macaw
- Artificial incubation by species: Red Jungle Fowl (10 chicks from ~21 days incubation); Blue-gold Macaw (egg incubated at 37–38°C and 45–70% humidity; chick hand-reared)
- Named striped hyena: Divya; three cubs born
- Conservation framework: breeding and rearing protocols are described as part of ongoing conservation efforts
What Happens Next
The park plans to continue conservation breeding initiatives and maintain naturalistic habitats while monitoring the growth and health of the new arrivals. Staff attributed outcomes to the veterinary team and zoo personnel and indicated continued supervision for ongoing welfare and visitor access.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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