Jamshedpur: Tata Steel Zoological Park has added a major attraction to its animal collection with the arrival of a pair of African lions — Manohar and Sridevi — from Nehru Zoological Park under an approved animal exchange programme. In exchange, two male mandrill monkeys have been transferred to Hyderabad.
Approximately nine years old, Manohar (male) and Sridevi (female) are in their prime breeding age. Zoo authorities expressed optimism that the pair will contribute to strengthening the genetic diversity and long-term sustainability of the lion population at the Park through successful breeding in the coming years.
A dedicated team from Tata Steel Zoological Park left for Hyderabad on February 11 in specially arranged vehicles designed for safe animal transport. After completing all required documentation and health formalities, the team safely transported the lions to Jamshedpur around midnight on February 16. The entire relocation process was carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by the Central Zoo Authority and under expert veterinary supervision.
At present, the zoo houses three African lions — two males, Jumbo and Edd, and one female, Zoya — all around 14.5 years old. They were brought to the zoo in 2012 at the age of six months and have since been key attractions. With the addition of Manohar and Sridevi, the management aims to develop a younger and genetically viable lion population.
As per standard zoological protocol, the newly arrived lions have been placed under a mandatory 40-day quarantine period. During this time, they will remain under close veterinary observation to monitor their health, dietary adaptation, and acclimatisation to the new environment. Upon successful completion of quarantine, the pair will be introduced to their designated enclosures for public viewing.
Zoo officials expressed excitement over the development, stating that the arrival of the new lions marks a significant step toward strengthening conservation breeding efforts and enhancing visitor engagement at the park.
