**Indore Zoo to Welcome New Wildlife Residents Through Animal Exchange Programme**

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Indore Zoo is set to welcome new wildlife residents soon as part of an animal exchange programme. Instead of lions and tigers, the zoo in Karnataka will send four wild buffalos and four ostriches to Indore. These animals will be transported in a special vehicle arriving on September 26.

A team of Indore Zoo officials recently traveled to Shivamogga to finalize the arrangements for this exchange and returned to the city on Sunday. According to officials, the population of lions and tigers at Indore Zoo has been steadily increasing. Therefore, as part of the exchange programme, the zoo is offering some of these animals to other zoos across the country in exchange for different species.

Over the years, Indore Zoo has regularly participated in such exchanges, receiving various animals from different zoos nationwide. Zoo in-charge Dr. Uttam Yadav, along with other officials, held discussions with their counterparts at Shivamogga Zoo, where they reached a mutual agreement.

On September 26, the team from Shivamogga Zoo will bring four wild buffalos and four ostriches to Indore. In return, Indore Zoo will send a group of lions and tigers to Shivamogga.

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### Wild Buffalos – At a Glance

**Scientific Name:** Bubalus arnee
**Conservation Status:** Endangered (IUCN Red List)
**Habitat:** Marshes, grasslands, and river valleys of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Southeast Asia
**Size & Strength:** Can weigh up to 1,200 kg, known for their massive curved horns
**Behavior:** Social animals that move in herds, usually led by a dominant female
**Conservation Importance:** Wild buffalos play a vital role in maintaining wetland ecosystems and are considered the ancestors of domesticated water buffaloes

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This exchange program not only helps diversify the wildlife at Indore Zoo but also supports conservation efforts for endangered species like the wild buffalo. Visitors can look forward to seeing these majestic animals when they arrive later this month.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/topnews/indore-zoo-to-welcome-wild-buffalos-and-ostriches-on-september-26-under-animal-exchange-programme