Sardar Patel Zoological Park

Fish and Chips: Opportunistic Carnivory and Geophagy in Parrots

11. May 2026

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Psittacine birds (Psittaciformes) are typically regarded as frugivorous or granivorous, yet some species exhibit opportunistic feeding behaviours. This study aims to describe opportunistic carnivory and geophagy in parrots housed at Sardar Patel Zoological Park (SPZP), India. Opportunistic behaviours were recorded during routine feeding and enclosure maintenance, with dietary choices, aggressive interactions, and faecal examinations documented…

Zoo Nutrition for Wild Herbivores: An Examination of Dietary Requirements

11. November 2024

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Nutritional management of wild herbivores in zoological settings is essential to modern zoo operations, reflecting their role as wildlife conservatories and research facilities. At Sardar Patel Zoological Park (SPZP), dietary practices have evolved from empirical to evidence-based, focusing on the complex needs of captive herbivores. By mimicking natural feeding behaviors—adjusting fodder height, managing feed distribution…

Understanding Reproductive Strategies: Courtship and Copulation Behaviours of the Asiatic Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus) in Captivity

10. June 2024

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This study offers an in-depth observation of the courtship and copulatory behaviors of the Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), also known as the dhole, within a captive environment at the Sardar Patel Zoological Park, Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Characterized by unique vocalizations, distinct body postures, and specific initiation cues, the reproductive strategy of the dhole exhibits…

Care of Sulcata Tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) in Captivity in India

12. June 2023

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The sulcata tortoise is a popular reptile species native to Africa that has seen an increase in popularity as a pet in India in recent years. Proper captive care and husbandry are essential for the well-being and health of sulcata tortoises, and it is important to consider the specific needs and requirements of these animals…

Short Communication: The Importance of Modern Zoos and Animal Sanctuaries in Promoting Wildlife Conservation and Education

17. April 2023

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Modern zoos and animal sanctuaries play a vital role in wildlife conservation, research, and education. In addition to promoting ethical treatment of animals, these facilities also provide a unique opportunity for children to learn about social awareness, environmental guardianship, recognizing interdependence, social emotional learning, and developing empathy. Through experiential learning and hands-on experiences, children can…

Short Communication: Wildlife Roadkill Mitigation in India

13. March 2023

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Roadkill appears to be unavoidable wherever wildlife habitat and roadways intersect. The effects of wildlife roadkill on native animal populations can be significant, and understanding the causes and patterns of roadkill is required for effective management intervention. Monitoring wildlife roadkill can provide much broader ecological knowledge, such as species distributions, population dynamics, and behaviour, as…

Habitat Viability and Threat Assessment Survey of Indian Soft-Shell Turtle Nilssonia gangetica in Gomti Lake, Central Gujarat, India

20. February 2023

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A preliminary survey was conducted to determine the conservation importance of Gomti lake situated in Dakor town (Kheda district), Central Gujarat. The lake happens to be one of the last strongholds of an endangered freshwater turtle species– Indian soft-shell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica), and the resident population is now severely threatened due to a complete loss…

Snake Rescue Manual: Guidelines on Snake Rescue, Snakebite Management, and Community Education for Snake Conservation

9. January 2023

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Human-Snake conflict (HSC) is a complex and pervasive problem that occurs wherever snakes and people share the same habitat. Lack of information, ignorance by the masses and absence of snakebite prevention measures results in around 2100 annual deaths in Gujarat while the national mortality figure is as high as 58,000. While the need to improve…