Guwahati, Assam, December 13 (HBTV): There is good news for animal lovers on the eve of New Year as many new animals have arrived at the Assam State Zoo in Guwahati. The zoo has seen an increase in the birth rate of animals compared to last year.

So far, 30 animals have been born in the Assam State Zoo during the financial year 2024-25, compared to 35 births in 2023-24.

On November 7, a female rhino calf, named 'Pori,' was born. Rajnikant Deka, the head animal keeper who has served at the zoo since 1997, mentioned that this was the first rhino birth at the facility in 13 years.

Assam State Zoo Assistant Conservator of Forests, Jayant Goswami, said, 'The birth rate of animals has increased in 2024-25 compared to 2023-24. So far this year, 30 calves have been born, and three months are left in the financial year. The number of calves will increase further in the next three months. A total of 35 calves were born in 2023-24, including tiger, lion, golden monkey, giraffe, blue cow, and black bull. This year, we have seen the birth of rhinos, lions, and stump-tailed macaques, which have become major attractions for visitors.'

To protect the animals from the cold, heaters are provided for those with less fur, and bird cages are covered with plastic at night to prevent snow and wind. Additionally, measures have been taken to protect the soil from frost, with special care being given to newborn animals.

The number of visitors to the State Zoo is increasing daily, with foreign tourists coming from various parts of Assam and the country, including Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal. The zoo has also attracted new animals, including giraffes, zebras, orangutans, and more. The zoo is especially popular from after Durga Puja until March, added Goswami.