The Delhi National Zoological Park is actively seeking mates for 20 wild singles, including ostriches, rhinoceroses, and Egyptian vultures. Discussions are underway with zoos in Punjab, Jharkhand, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh to exchange animals and find suitable partners.
Zoo director Sanjeet Kumar said multiple exchange programs are currently being discussed, with the immediate focus on pairing single-sex animals. The zoo is seeking partners for 16 species, including ostriches, rhinoceroses, and Egyptian vultures, which have remained without mates for years.
Some species have been without mates for years, including two male ostriches, a nine-year-old female rhea, a male Egyptian vulture over 20 years old, and an 18-year-old female rhinoceros. The zoo is also seeking female partners for a male barn owl, a male grey francolin, and a male spoonbill, among others.
However, officials have acknowledged that previous efforts to bring in partners have failed to materialise, and a more proactive approach is needed to help these species find companions sooner.
