Pune: Katraj zoological park to get zebras from abroad

The civic body will spend an estimated Rs 1.33 crore for the transportation of the animals, Ghorpade said, adding that authorised interested and experienced wild animal dealers, reputed firms, and wild animal breeders abroad can provide grants for procuring the zebras.

As part of it, various foriegn animals will be brought to the park for display, either purchased or exchanged with local animals. (File Photo)

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is likely to import ‘Grant Zebras’ for its Rajiv Gandhi Zoological and Wildlife Research Centre in Katraj.

“The PMC plans to procure five Zebras — two male and three female — for its Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj from foreign zoos, animal breeders as donation, gifts, disposal of surplus animals, and exchange of animals. The animals would not be purchased, and PMC will only bear the cost of incurring animal crating, veterinary intervention, handling of animals, and transportation,” said Ashok Ghorpade, Garden Superintendent.

The civic body will spend an estimated Rs 1.33 crore for the transportation of the animals, Ghorpade said, adding that authorised interested and experienced wild animal dealers, reputed firms, and wild animal breeders abroad can provide grants for procuring the zebras.

The animals selected for import must be “physically, behaviourally and genetically healthy”, with no clinical infections or non-infectious disease conditions.

“The animals identified for grants should be from a proven genetic pedigree, and each should be genetically heterozygous, which would further allow breeding among these animals on scientific lines,” Ghorpade said, adding that animals of a suitable age — not very young or old — would be imported. “They should be completely weaned off and not dependent on their mothers or handlers for food.”

The guidelines by the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) should be “strictly followed” for the transportation of the captive wild animals. According to the PMC, the CZAI has approved a development plan for the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park for 20 years.

As part of it, various foriegn animals will be brought to the park for display, either purchased or exchanged with local animals.

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“The Grant Zebras will be the first ones among foriegn animals to be procured for the park, in phases,” Ghorpade said.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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