Patna’s Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, popularly known as Patna Zoo, has earned international acclaim for its thriving rhino population. The zoo currently houses ten rhinos, comprising six males and four females from four different breeds, making it the second-largest rhino population in the world, after San Diego Zoo in the United States. To support this remarkable achievement, Patna Zoo recently inaugurated a dedicated rhino breeding centre, strengthening its conservation efforts.
A Legacy of Rhino Conservation
The zoo’s journey in rhino conservation began in 1979, with the arrival of a pair named Kancha and Kanchi from Assam. A third rhino, Raju, rescued from Bettiah, joined them in 1982. Through careful management and attentive care, the first successful rhino birth at Patna Zoo occurred in 1988, when Raju and Kanchi welcomed a female calf named Hadatali. Another female rhino, Rani, was later born to the same pair, demonstrating that the zoo offered a favourable environment for these endangered animals.
Over the years, more rhinos were added to strengthen the population, including Raja (1993) and Bajrangi (1997). To improve genetic diversity, the zoo periodically acquired rhinos from other facilities. Notably, Ayodhya, a male rhino from Delhi Zoo, joined in 2005, while Gary, a female rhino, and her calf Lali arrived from San Diego Zoo in 2007. These strategic additions enhanced breeding success and supported the zoo’s conservation programme.
Patna Zoo: A Centre for Wildlife Preservation
Today, Patna Zoo continues to serve as a hub for wildlife conservation, education, and public awareness. The rhino breeding centre, coupled with the zoo’s careful management practices, ensures that all animals are healthy, safe, and thriving. Visitors can witness one of the largest rhino collections in the world, while conservationists commend Patna Zoo for its vital role in protecting endangered species.
At animalrights.in, we believe every success in wildlife conservation is a reminder: protecting endangered animals is not just about safeguarding forests, but also about creating spaces where humans and wildlife can coexist responsibly, learning from each other in our shared environment.
