Jammu Zoo Gets Hippos from Chennai in Animal Exchange Programme | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jambu Zoo has received a pair of hippopotamuses from Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, marking a new addition to its animal collection under an exchange programme approved by the Central Zoo Authority.

Officials said the hippopotamuses were brought to Jammu in exchange for a pair of Himalayan black bears as part of efforts to diversify the zoo’s wildlife exhibits and enhance visitor experience.

The animals arrived at Jambu Zoo on 13 March 2026 after being transported by train from Chennai under specialised conditions. Authorities said maintaining the body temperature of the semi-aquatic mammals during the long journey was critical, and customised water sprinklers were installed in the transport enclosure to keep the animals cool throughout the trip.

The hippopotamuses will remain under a mandatory 15-day quarantine period before being introduced for public display, in accordance with standard zoo management and animal health protocols.

Officials said the introduction of hippopotamuses to the zoo was originally conceptualised by Sarvesh Rai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Jammu and Kashmir, who earlier served as Chief Wildlife Warden.

A team of officials supervised the transportation and handling of the animals, including Noor-ul-Amin, in-charge Range Officer, Sudesh Kotwal of the Forest Protection Force, animal keepers Anwar and Mukhtiar, with veterinary assistance from Dr Ranjit Katoch.

The hippopotamus, often called a “hippo”, is a large semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is considered the third-largest land mammal after the elephant and rhinoceros. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other even-toed ungulates, scientists say the closest living relatives of hippopotamuses are cetaceans such as whales and dolphins.

Chief Wildlife Warden Chaturbhuja Behera welcomed the arrival of the animals, saying the new addition is expected to become a major attraction for visitors to the zoo.

He also encouraged students, tourists and residents to visit Jambu Zoo, which already houses several species including lions, tigers, crocodiles, gharials, snakes and bears.

Behera said more species are expected to be introduced in the coming months as authorities work to expand wildlife exhibits and improve visitor facilities at the zoo.