Bannerghatta Park’s First Historic Animal Export: Four Asian Elephants Sent to Japan under Global Species Exchange Programme
Bengaluru: In a landmark development, Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Bengaluru has executed its first-ever international animal export, sending four Asian Elephants to Himeji Central Park – Safari Park in Japan. The transfer marks a new chapter in the zoo’s history of wildlife conservation and international collaboration.
The batch includes one male and three female elephants—Suresh (8), Gowri (9), Shruthi (7), and Tulsi (5)—and is part of a broader multi-species exchange program between the two parks. In return, BBP is set to receive four cheetahs, four jaguars, four pumas, three chimpanzees, and eight black-capped capuchins.
Speaking about the achievement, Surya Sen, Executive Director of Bannerghatta Biological Park, said, “We are proud and delighted to announce the first export of animals in our park’s history. This exchange is a symbol of trust and cooperation between India and Japan in wildlife conservation.”
The elephants, transported via Qatar Airways Cargo B777-200F from Kempegowda International Airport to Kansai International Airport in Osaka on July 24 and 25, 2025, will take approximately 20 hours to reach their destination, including transit and road travel.
The animals have undergone six months of rigorous training for travel and acclimatization and have been medically cleared for the journey. Accompanying them are a team of two veterinarians from Himeji Central Park, two veterinary officers, four keepers, a supervisor, and a biologist from Bannerghatta—eight personnel in total—who will stay in Japan for two weeks to help the elephants settle into their new habitat.
Additionally, elephant caretakers from Himeji Central Park were trained at Bannerghatta Biological Park between May 12 and May 25, 2025, to ensure seamless transition and handling of the animals in their new environment.
This is the second international export of elephants from Karnataka, following a similar exchange in May 2021, when three elephants were sent from Mysuru Zoo to Toyohashi Zoo & Botanical Park in Japan.
“All logistics, including feed and veterinary arrangements, are in place for this historic journey,” said Surya Sen. “The arrival of Asian Elephants at Himeji will offer the people of Japan a unique chance to witness and understand these magnificent creatures known for their grace and intelligence.”
This initiative is executed under the guidance of the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi, and necessary approvals and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from all departments have been obtained.
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