Latest news with #SanjeetKumar
Hindustan Times
31-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
2 smooth-coated otters to join Delhi zoo ranks
The Delhi zoo is expected to welcome by next month two smooth-coated otters, a species last seen there in 2004. The otters are is set to arrive from Gujarat under an animal exchange programme, officials aware of the matter said. The animal exchange will see the number of species at the zoo increasing to 96. (FILE) A team will go to Surat to bring the animals to Delhi. In exchange, four Sangai deer will be sent to the Surat Zoo, the officials said. 'Next month, a team will be sent to bring these otters to Delhi. We last saw such otters at our zoo in 2004,' said Delhi zoo director Sanjeet Kumar. 'We presently have over 80 Sangai deer, which is the highest population of these deer at any zoo in Delhi. Thus, we are parting ways with some of them,' said Kumar. As the name suggests, smooth-coated otters have a smooth and sleek pelage. Their eyes and ears are fairly small, and have a flattened tail. The fore and hind paws are large and well-webbed. These otters have generally been described as fish specialists and are strong swimmers, often hunting in groups. They are found abundantly in south and southwest Asia. In India, they can be found anywhere from the Himalayas and to southern parts of the country. Smooth-coated otters are classified as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. The exchange has been in the works since March — a team of zoo experts, including a keeper, was sent to Surat to learn about adequate housing and maintenance of otters. According to officials, the exchange was delayed to ensure proper conditions for the transfer of the animals. 'For the exchange, proper arrangements are needed on both ends so there is minimal inconvenience for the animal,' a zoo official said. The exchange will see the number of species at the zoo increasing to 96. 'In 2004, the last otter died and since then, we have not had success in procuring one,' Kumar added. The zoo is also set to undergo an extensive overhaul, with an upgradation plan in the works, which will include a multi-utility plaza at the entrance, a new parking area, enclosures surrounded by glass walls and underwater aquariums. The work will be executed in three phases. While the first two phases will be executed simultaneously and are already in works, the third phase will be executed only after the first two are successful, and includes plans for a possible night safari at the zoo, according to officials. The Delhi zoo was established in November 1959 and is managed by the Union Environment Ministry.
The Print
31-07-2025
- General
- The Print
Delhi Zoo to welcome otters after two decades, Sangai deer to be sent to Surat as part of exchange
Now, a pair of smooth-coated otters from Gujarat is expected to arrive at the Delhi zoo by next month, marking a significant addition to its animal population. The transfer is part of an animal exchange programme with Surat Zoo, which will receive two pairs of Sangai deer from Delhi in return. The last otter at the zoo died in 2004 and since then efforts to procure the species had remained unsuccessful. New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Otters are set to make a comeback at the National Zoological Park in Delhi after more than 20 years, officials said. 'A team from Delhi will travel to Surat next month to bring the otters here,' zoo director Sanjeet Kumar confirmed. 'We currently have more than 80 Sangai deer, the highest number in any zoo in the country, so we are in a position to send a few to Surat,' he said. The exchange had originally been scheduled for March, and a delegation from Delhi, including a zookeeper, had visited Surat to inspect the otters and study their habitat and care. However, high temperatures and unsuitable travel conditions led to a delay. 'It's essential that conditions are safe and comfortable for the animals on both sides before any transfer is made,' a senior zoo official said. The arrival of the otters will push the zoo's species count to 96, further enriching the biodiversity on display. 'In 2004, we lost our last otter. Since then, we haven't had one here and this exchange is a big step for us,' Kumar said. Meanwhile, the Delhi zoo is gearing up for a major infrastructure overhaul, with a comprehensive redevelopment plan currently underway. As part of this upgradation, authorities are working on developing a multi-utility plaza at the entrance, a new parking zone, glass-walled enclosures, and underwater aquariums to enhance the visitor experience. Established in November 1959, the Delhi Zoo is operated by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and remains one of the most-visited zoological parks in India. PTI NSM NSM OZ OZ This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
NDTV
31-07-2025
- General
- NDTV
Otters To Return To Delhi Zoo After Two Decades
New Delhi: Otters are set to make a comeback at the National Zoological Park in Delhi after more than 20 years, officials said. The last otter at the zoo died in 2004 and since then efforts to procure the species had remained unsuccessful. Now, a pair of smooth-coated otters from Gujarat is expected to arrive at the Delhi zoo by next month, marking a significant addition to its animal population. The transfer is part of an animal exchange programme with Surat Zoo, which will receive two pairs of Sangai deer from Delhi in return. "A team from Delhi will travel to Surat next month to bring the otters here," zoo director Sanjeet Kumar confirmed. "We currently have more than 80 Sangai deer, the highest number in any zoo in the country, so we are in a position to send a few to Surat," he said. The exchange had originally been scheduled for March, and a delegation from Delhi, including a zookeeper, had visited Surat to inspect the otters and study their habitat and care. However, high temperatures and unsuitable travel conditions led to a delay. "It's essential that conditions are safe and comfortable for the animals on both sides before any transfer is made," a senior zoo official said. The arrival of the otters will push the zoo's species count to 96, further enriching the biodiversity on display. "In 2004, we lost our last otter. Since then, we haven't had one here and this exchange is a big step for us," Kumar said. Meanwhile, the Delhi zoo is gearing up for a major infrastructure overhaul, with a comprehensive redevelopment plan currently underway. As part of this upgradation, authorities are working on developing a multi-utility plaza at the entrance, a new parking zone, glass-walled enclosures, and underwater aquariums to enhance the visitor experience. Established in November 1959, the Delhi Zoo is operated by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and remains one of the most-visited zoological parks in India.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
Youth arrested in Naubatpur for Rs 5 cr cyberfraud
Patna: A Delhi police cyber cell team, in a joint operation with Patna police, arrested a 25-year-old youth involved in a cyberfraud case of Rs 5.37 crore. The accused, Shubham Kumar, was arrested on Wednesday from his residence at Goraila village under Naubatpur police station area, officials said. Sanjeet Kumar, SHO of Naubatpur police station, said that a five-member team came from Delhi to arrest the accused. "On Tuesday, the team arrested 33-year-old Dheeraj Kumar, a resident of Shiv Shakti Nagar in Bihta, Patna, from Ranchi. Following this, the raid was conducted here at Naubatpur, and the second accused was arrested," he said. The case was registered in Delhi's South West cyber police station on June 6. During the investigation, the location of the cellphone was found around Naubatpur and Bihta. Police seized cellphones from both. The SHO said the accused was produced in court, and the Delhi cyber cell team took the accused on transit remand.
Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
15-year-old male gaur dies at Delhi Zoo, played key role in breeding efforts
A 15-year-old male Indian gaur which played a critical role in the breeding programme at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi died Sunday morning due to age-related issues, officials informed. The gaur had been kept under special care inside a holding cell over the past few days as its health condition began to decline. The animal was brought to Delhi Zoo from the Mysuru Zoo in 2014 as part of a conservation exchange and went on to become a dominant breeding bull in the enclosure. 'It had been under observation and veterinary care for the past few days. Unfortunately, it passed away this morning due to senility,' said Dr Sanjeet Kumar, director, Delhi Zoo. 'The gaur was one of our most significant contributors to the captive breeding programme. More than 75 per cent of the 15 gaurs currently housed in NZP are its direct progeny.' Zoo authorities have said that samples from the deceased animal will be sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) for further investigation to rule out any underlying health issue. The Indian gaur, also known as the Indian bison, is the largest extant bovine species and is classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. Dr Kumar said the zoo will continue to prioritise the health and genetic diversity of the gaur population through its conservation and breeding practices. Meanwhile, the Delhi Zoo has proposed a new adoption scheme that will allow visitors to adopt animals for periods as short as a day. The plan, currently awaiting approval, aims to replace the zoo's existing year-long adoption model with more flexible options, including monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and daily terms, according to officials. 'At present, the adoption is only available for a one-year term and involves a formal stamp paper agreement. We are proposing changes that would allow people to adopt animals for a shorter duration, from a single day to a few months,' Dr Kumar said earlier.
