Guwahati, 25th May: In a momentous occasion, the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden witnessed the hatching of three Mandarin ducklings on May 24, marking a significant milestone for the zoo. This event represents the first successful hatching of Mandarin ducklings within the zoo’s premises.
Following the hatching, the population of Mandarin ducks at the zoo has seen a notable increase. Previously consisting of six Mandarin ducks – three males and three females – the count has now expanded to nine. Ashwini Kumar, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Assam State Zoo, expressed his enthusiasm for this development, emphasizing its significance. He remarked, “This event marks a significant milestone as it is the first time Mandarin ducklings have hatched in the zoo.”
The journey to this milestone began last year on May 16 when the zoo acquired a pair of Mandarin ducks – one male and one female – through an animal exchange program with Chamarajendra Zoo in Mysore. As part of the exchange initiative, the zoo received the pair of ducks along with striped hyenas and blackbucks in exchange for a male hoolock gibbon and a female black leopard.
Under the careful supervision of zookeepers and veterinary staff, both the mother duck and the ducklings are reported to be in good health. Their diet, meticulously curated to meet their nutritional needs, includes a combination of mixed vegetables, wheat, and crushed rice.
The successful hatching of Mandarin ducklings represents not only a joyous occasion for the zoo but also a testament to its commitment to wildlife conservation and breeding programs. This milestone reinforces the zoo’s role in preserving endangered and rare species while providing a conducive environment for their reproduction and well-being.
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