Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Sept 19: (blackbucks) The Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha has welcomed 13 new blackbucks from Nandankanan Zoological Park as part of a major animal translocation program.
Reports indicate that a special vehicle transported the blackbucks from Nandankanan to Konark late last night. A 30-hectare enclosure within the Kurujang IDC area of the Konark forest range has been specially prepared for them, complete with provisions for their food and water.
Earlier, on June 18, 10 rare blackbucks, including six females and four males, were introduced to the sanctuary. These animals are currently under quarantine and are receiving meticulous care, with their health being monitored daily. Once they acclimate to their new environment, they will be released for free-roaming within the sanctuary.
Located just 10 kilometers from Puri, the Balukhand sanctuary offers a rich habitat with sandy beaches, casuarina trees, and cashew plantations, ideal for the blackbucks.
This translocation is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to conserve and protect the blackbuck species, which has faced significant threats since the devastating 1999 super cyclone in Odisha.
