ANEKAL (Bengaluru): In a first-of-its kind international animal exchange program (IAEP), the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has received four cheetahs, among other exotic species, as part of a historic swap with Japan’s Himeji Safari Park. In return, four Asian elephants from Bannerghatta have been sent to Japan.
According to the park authorities, this initiative has been approved by the Central Zoo Authority in New Delhi and supported by other concerned departments.
The animals transferred to Japan include four Asian elephants – Suresh (eight-year-old male); and three females including Gauri (9), Shruti (7), and Tulsi (5). These elephants were flown from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to Kansai International Airport near Osaka aboard a Qatar Airways cargo flight (B777-200F).
Before the exchange program, the elephants underwent six months of special training to prepare for the journey. Officials informed that all four are in good health and physically fit to travel. Accompanying them on the trip are two veterinarians from Himeji Safari Park, two veterinary officers from Bannerghatta, four animal caretakers, one supervisor and a zoologist.
The major highlight of the exchange is the arrival of four cheetahs at the Bannerghatta Biological Park. This is for the first time that cheetahs have been brought to Bannerghatta, creating excitement among wildlife lovers and boosting the park’s biodiversity profile.
Along with the cheetahs, the park is also receiving four jaguars, four pumas, three chimpanzees and eight capuchin monkeys.
The arrival of these animals is expected to attract more visitors and enhance the park’s reputation with regard to wildlife education and conservation.
Notably, a team of eight BBP staff members visited Himeji Safari Park for two weeks to ensure that elephants adapt smoothly to their new new environment. Similarly, from May 12 to May 25, 2025, caretakers from Himeji were trained at Bannerghatta in handling and caring of Asian elephants.
This is reportedly the second such batch of elephants sent from Karnataka to Japan. Prior to this, the Mysuru Zoo had transferred three elephants to Toyohashi Zoo in Japan under a similar programme in May 2021.
Speaking about the wildlife exchange, Executive Director of Bannerghatta Park Surya Sen stated, “All necessary arrangements related to logistics, food and veterinary care have been made to ensure a safe and comfortable journey of the elephants. The inclusion of Asian elephants in Japan’s Himeji Safari Park will offer a wonderful opportunity for the public there.”
Meanwhile, the arrival of cheetahs and other exotic animals is being hailed as a milestone for Bengaluru, giving the city’s wildlife scene a global dimension and reinforcing Bannerghatta’s position as a premier zoological destination in India.
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