BBP exports four elephants to Japan

In a historic first, the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Bengaluru is set to export four Asian elephants to Japan as part of an international animal exchange program. This marks the park’s first-ever export since its inception.

According to a press release from BBP, the elephants—Suresh (8), Gowri (9), Shruthi (7), and Tulsi (5)—will be relocated to Himeji Central Park – Safari Park in Himeji, Japan. The export follows formal clearances from the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi, and other relevant departments.

In return, BBP will receive a diverse group of exotic species, including four cheetahs, four jaguars, four pumas, three chimpanzees, and eight black-capped capuchin monkeys. The animal exchange aims to enhance biodiversity and boost conservation efforts at both parks.

The elephants will be transported via Qatar Airways cargo from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, to Kansai International Airport, Osaka, on July 24 and 25. The entire journey, including road and air transit, is expected to take approximately 20 hours. Among the four elephants, one—Swaraj, born on January 26, 2024—remains at BBP and is not part of the exchange. Officials have ensured that all international standards of animal care, transport, and documentation are being strictly followed.

BBP officials expressed optimism that the exchange would foster international collaboration in wildlife conservation, while offering educational and research benefits to both institutions involved. This initiative is being hailed as a significant step in BBP’s evolving role in global zoo and conservation networks.