The successful breeding within the ex situ condition is indicator of the proper scientific management of zoo. The zoo has successfully bred endangered and non endangered species and augmented the population of physically, genetically and behaviorally healthy individuals under the ex situ conditions. So far the zoo has bred the species like Royal bengal tiger, Giant squirrel, Indian bison, Four horned antelope, Chinkara, Jackal, Bonnet maccaque, Rhesus maccaque, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Sambar, Bluebull and Indian peafowl. Some animals of endangered species are gifted to other recognized zoos in the country to promote this objective.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is developed on a spacious land of around 130 acres with abundant natural landscaping which imparts the feeling of true forest within the premises. The Zoo has developed 17 enclosure for mammalian species and 4 aviaries for avian species. All the enclosures have appropriate and more or less uniform topography which are immersed within the natural surroundings. The species specific plantation has been promoted in the enclosure conducive to the natural habitat of the species which leaves the animals feel as if they inhabits within their habitat range. Animals are displayed in the spacious area as per standards norms which enhances the educational value to the visitors and students.
The standard preventive disease management protocol is in place to check the common diseases of captive wild animals.
The immunization of animals against common infectious diseases carried in the felids, canids, primates, ursids, selective ungulates and proboscides periodically on an annual basis.
Deworming is implemented quarterly, based on the results of fecal sample screening.
The drinking water samples across different reservoirs are tested for microbial analysis and other essential parameters to assess their consumption fitness.
The meat is tested for microbial analysis to ensure hygienic & contamination-free food is served to the captive carnivores.
The staffers deployed along the animal section are screened annually for zoonotic and other infectious diseases regularly to avoid disease transmission from human to animal and vice versa.
The Central Zoo Authority of India has launched an ex-situ conservation breeding program for the 73 endangered species of indigenous origin. The ex-situ breeding program envisages coordinated breeding of identified species of wildlife in ex-situ conditions to augment their stock in captivity, which would serve the purpose of insurance in case the population is extinct in the wild. The zoos within the geographical range of the species and having the potential to breed the species are being selected as coordinating zoos or participating zoos for the breeding of species. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park has been identified as a participating zoo for the ex-situ breeding of the Indian Giant Squirrel, the state animal of Maharashtra.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is the first zoo in India to have initiated ex-situ breeding of Indian giant squirrels in captivity. Since 2017, the zoo has successfully bred the species in the captive facility, and five healthy young ones have been reported until 2021. Having succeeded in the breeding of species, all mandatory steps are being taken to have a sustainable conservation breeding program for the species by the zoo. The zoo has constructed a standard housing facility in the off-display stretch within the premises wherein every care is being taken to ensure the species is provided with every attribute which it prefers in its natural habitat.
