Bengaluru: Cheetahs set to arrive at Bannerghatta as BBP expands wildlife collection

Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is gearing up to welcome a pair of African hunting cheetahs in the coming months as part of its ongoing animal exchange programme. This initiative will make BBP the third facility in India, after Hyderabad and Mysuru, to host the world’s fastest land animal.

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The cheetahs are expected to arrive from South Africa’s Ann Van Dyke Cheetah Centre within the next four to five months. A specialized enclosure has already been developed to house them. Alongside the cheetahs, BBP plans to enrich its collection with jaguars, pumas, capuchin monkeys, chimpanzees, and 10 other exotic species by 2026. In return, the park will send an elephant to a zoo in Japan as part of the reciprocal arrangement.

BBP currently holds the highest density of carnivorous animals among Indian zoos, offering a diverse range of species across its zoo, rescue centre, and safari divisions.

In a related development, Karnataka’s forest department has launched India’s first electric bus safari at BBP, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the eco-tourism experience. The e-bus initiative replaces conventional diesel vehicles used in safari tours.

Visitor engagement at BBP has surged, with the park recording an all-time high of 2.8 lakh footfalls in May 2025. With the upcoming additions and sustainable upgrades, BBP is poised to become a key wildlife destination in India’s eco-tourism circuit.