Guwahati: The love birds in Assam State Zoo heralded a family on Friday.
Officials of the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden took the opportunity is announce the successful hatching of three ducklings of Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata), the first breeding in the state zoo.
“This event marks a significant milestone as it is the first time Mandarin ducklings have hatched at the Assam State Zoo,” said Aswini Kumar, division forest officer (DFO), Assam State Zoo.
The adult Mandarin duck pair was brought to the zoo on May 16, 2023, from Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysuru, Karnataka under an animal exchange programme between both zoos.
“The mother duck and the ducklings are in good health and are being carefully monitored by the zoo keeper and veterinary staff. The hatched ducklings are a testament to the zoo’s dedication to providing a nurturing and safe environment for all its animals,” Kumar said.
The Mandarin duck is a vibrant colourful species, which is native to East Asia. Asian populations are essentially migratory, wintering at lower latitudes in East, Central & Southern China.
In Assam, the species was noticed in the wild after 118 years in February 2021 in the Maguri-Motapung Beel of Tinsukia district. It is thought to be an uncommon winter visitor to India.
“The Assam State Zoo has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation and education, and the birth of the Mandarin ducklings adds a new chapter to its legacy. This joyous occasion underscores the importance of Zoos in preserving biodiversity and providing educational opportunities for the public to connect with nature. The Assam State Zoo continues to strive for excellence in animal care and conservation,” Kumar added.