Bannerghatta Park exports 4 jumbos to Japan in historic first

NT Correspondent

Anekal: In a historic first for Karnataka’s Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), one male and three female elephants have been successfully transport ed to Japan as part of an in ternational animal exchange programme, marking a new chapter in wildlife conserva tion and zoo partnerships in the state. The elephants — Suresh (8), Gauri (9), Shruti (7), and Tulsi (5) — were flown from Ben galuru’s Kempegowda International Airport on a Qatar Airways cargo flight.

Packed securely in specially designed cages, the gentle giants landed at Osaka’s Kansai Inter national Airport, from where they were moved by truck to their new home at Himeji Central Park. Accompanying the elephants were trained staff from BBP, who will remain in Japan temporarily to help local handlers adapt to the animals’ care routines and specific needs. This marks the first time in Bannerghatta’s history that its elephants have been part of a direct international exchange.

In return, BBP is set to receive a diverse group of exotic animals — four cheetahs, jaguars and pumas each, three chimpanzees, and eight capuchin monkeys — to enrich its wildlife collection and breeding programmes. "The exchange will help improve genetic diver sity and enhance visitor experience, besides boosting the conserva tion education efforts that BBP has become known for," said the zoo authorities.

“This is a major mile stone for Bannerghatta. Our team ensured the highest standards of care during the trans port. The exchange will benefit both parks and help us bring more spe cies to our visitors and researchers,” said senior BBP officials.