The Jambu Zoo welcomes its new residents, a pair of hippopotamuses brought from Aringar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu in exchange of a pair of Himalayan Black Bear, approved by the Central Zoo Authority.
The move of add Hippopotamuses in the family of the Jambu Zoo was the brainchild of Sarvesh Rai, PCCF/Head of Forest Force, J&K (the then Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K Govt.). The hippopotamus often referred as hippo, is a large semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. Its name comes from the Ancient Greek word for “river horse”.
After elephants and rhinoceroses, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the hippos are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they evolved about 55 million years ago.
The team of the officers deputed for transportation of the animals included Noor ul Amin (I/C Range Officer), Sudesh Kotwal (FPF Guard), Anwar and Mukhtiar (Animal keepers). The Team was assisted by Dr. Ranjit Katoch, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon.
The transportation of the animal from Chennai to Jammu through train was critical as the body temperature of the animal was to be maintained with the help of water sprinklers which were customized for the train journey. The animal arrived at Jambu Zoo on 13th of March 2026 and will be kept under quarantine period of 15 days, before it is open to public display.
Chaturbhuja Behera, Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K Govt. has welcomed the pair of Hippos, which is going to be a great attraction for the people of J&K. He has urged the students, tourists and locals to visit the Jambu Zoo to see Lions, Tigers, Crocodiles, Gharials, Snakes, Bears etc and the new addition i.e. Hippopotamus.
According to the Chief Wildlife Warden, Chaturbhuja Behera many other animal species will be added to the Jambu Zoo in the coming months and efforts are underway to enhance facilities for the visitors.
