The Bannerghatta Biological Park.
Credit: DH Photo/SK Dinesh
Bengaluru: After registering highest-ever number of visitors in May, Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is planning to add 10 new animal species -- including chimpanzee, cheetah, puma, jaguar and capuchin monkeys -- in the next five months.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre announced the plan after remotely flagging off an electric bus on Wednesday.
"A total of 10 foreign animals will become part of Bannerghatta Biological Park by next year," he said.
The animals are being brought as part of the multi-exchange programme, where zoos across different countries provide and receive animals to add to their existing collection.
Officials said Bannerghatta was sending four elephants to Japan as part of the measure to induct 10 new foreign animals.
"The Chimpanzee will come from Singapore, Cheetahs from Africa, Jaguar from Mexico or Brazil and so on. Some of the details are still being finalised," an officer said.
Khandre said the department has plans to start an aquarium in the coming days.
"There are seven lakes within Bannerghatta. We're also getting water for visitors and animals from the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board. There'll be no shortage of water. A detailed project report will be prepared soon," he added.
The 20-seater 100 kv electric bus is expected to help replace diesel-run buses for eight safari trips inside the BBP. The department seeks to ensure that by 2027 all passenger vehicles in Bannerghatta go electric.