Bannerghatta National Park sends four elephants to Japan in landmark animal exchange

Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) in Bengaluru has marked a milestone by sending four elephants—one male and three females—to Himeji Central Park in Japan under an international animal exchange programme. This is the first time BNP has exported animals abroad, a move approved by its governing council last year and facilitated by the Central Zoo Authority. In exchange, BNP will receive four cheetahs, four jaguars, four pumas, three chimpanzees, and eight capuchin monkeys from other participating countries, significantly boosting the park's species diversity.

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The elephants—Suresh (8), Gowri (9), Shruthi (7), and Tulasi (7)—began their journey with an 8-hour truck ride from BNP to Kempegowda International Airport, then boarded a Qatar Airways cargo flight to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan. The group will then travel to Himeji Central Park, with a transit time of about 20 hours in the air. Before their departure, the elephants underwent six months of specialized training to acclimatize to travel and handling.

A dedicated team, including two veterinarians from BNP, four mahouts, a supervisor, and a biologist, are accompanying the elephants to ensure their well-being and assist with adjustment in Japan. Additionally, Japanese veterinarians and keepers participated in preparatory training at BNP to help the elephants adapt smoothly to their new surroundings.