Two-year-old African Serval Cats released at Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad on Sunday, July 13, 2025, introduced a new exotic species, the Serval Cat, as part of its ongoing conservation efforts. Dr. C. Suvarna, IFS, PCCF (HoFF), Telangana, along with Elusing Meru, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife), Telangana, inaugurated the release of the two-year-old Serval Cats into the zoo's Small Cats Enclosure.

Native to Africa, the Serval Cat can live up to 16 years in captivity, and its addition brings the total number of species at the zoo to 195. The zoo's breeding program has been notably successful, with almost all species breeding successfully in captivity.

In addition to the new animal exhibit, a large-scale plantation drive was launched in the vicinity of the reptile house area. Dr. Suvarna, along with other forest officials and zoo park directors, planted saplings of Ficus and other fruit-bearing and shade-providing trees. This initiative is part of the state's effort to enhance its green cover. Dr. Suvarna also called on individuals to plant a tree in honor of their mother under the campaign "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," highlighting the collective responsibility towards environmental preservation.

Following the plantation, the renovated Fossil Park Garden was inaugurated, showcasing a variety of plant species arranged in the shape of the Telangana state map. The new garden adds another dimension to the zoo's commitment to blending conservation with education and awareness.

Dr. Suvarna praised the zoo's efforts in conservation and highlighted the significance of the breeding program, which has seen remarkable success across various species. She underscored the importance of such initiatives in maintaining biodiversity and fostering public awareness about wildlife conservation.

The event was attended by several notable officials, including Dr. Sunil S. Hiremath, IFS, Director of Zoo Parks, Telangana, and Field Director of Amrabad Tiger Reserve; M.J. Akbar, IFS (Retd), Former Director of NZP, Hyderabad; Dr. M.A. Hakeem, Deputy Director (Vet) at NZP; M. Barnoba, Deputy Curator of NZP; Dr. P. Srinivas, Assistant Director (Vet) at NZP; A. Nagamani, ACF, Admin at O/o The PCCF, Aranya Bhavan; Sudhakar Reddy, DFO, Hyderabad; A. Shankaran, Former Curator (Retd) at NZP; and B. Laxman, Assistant Curator-3 at NZP.