Indore Zoo Gets Exotic Bison and Ostrich

• 07 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Indore Zoo and underlined the state’s growing wildlife portfolio, with new additions and future conservation projects strengthening biodiversity management.

Key Points 

• New Arrivals: Four Indian Bisons — Rudra, Tulsi, Kalki, and Tapti — along with two pairs of Ostriches, joined Indore Zoo, enhancing its wildlife diversity. 
  • These animals were brought from Shimoga Zoo in Karnataka under the Tiger Breeding and Exchange Programme, in return for one Tiger sent from Indore Zoo. 
• Wildlife Care & Breeding Success: CM praised the zoo’s care standards, citing the successful breeding of Zebras as a model of effective animal management. 
  • The CM urged citizens to show compassion towards animals, emphasising that “animals and birds are an integral part of our environmental system.” 
• Future Plans: The development of Central India’s most attractive aquarium at the Indore Zoo premises to further boost eco-tourism and public awareness about aquatic biodiversity. 

Indian Bison (Gaur) 

• About: The Indian Bison or Gaur (Bos gaurus) is the largest and tallest species of wild cattle in India and the world’s largest extant bovine.  
  • The global population is estimated at 13,000–30,000, with about 85% found in India. 
• Habitat & Distribution: Native to South and Southeast Asia, the Gaur is abundant in the Western Ghats, mainly in Nagarhole, Bandipur, Masinagudi, and Biligirirangana Hills (BR Hills).  
  • It also occurs in Myanmar and Thailand, preferring evergreen and moist deciduous forests below 6,000 ft altitude. 
• Conservation Status: 
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable 
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Ostriches (Struthio camelus) 

• Flightless birds, exceptional runners with speeds up to 43 mph. 
• Native to African savannas and deserts (Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa) 
• Live in small herds (fewer than a dozen), led by males who primarily mate with the leading female. 
• Largest Living Birds with 2-2.8 metres height and weighing 90-160 kg 
• IUCN Status is Least Concern