Delhi Zoo's lone vulture seeks a mate after 20 years

The Delhi Zoo is making efforts to find a companion for Jatayu, its lone Egyptian vulture, after over two decades without a mate. Jatayu, rescued more than 20 years ago, has been the sole Egyptian vulture at the park. Discussions are currently underway with two zoos in other states to arrange a pairing, though details remain confidential.

The zoo is also exploring vulture conservation facilities in Pinjore, Haryana, to understand their breeding and conservation programs. Egyptian vultures typically form long-term pairs and breed around four to five years of age. The species can live for about 25 years in the wild and longer in captivity.

This initiative extends beyond Jatayu, as the National Zoological Park seeks partners for 16 species with lone individuals or same-sex groups. This includes ostriches, a rhea, a barn owl, an Indian grey hornbill, a grey langur, a small Indian civet, and a black swan. Additionally, an 18-year-old female rhinoceros requires a new male companion after her previous partner died in 2025, and the black bear group needs a male. These pairings are crucial for boosting breeding efforts and introducing new genetic lines.

The zoo is also developing a modernization plan to expand its collection, identifying 109 new species and 2,943 animals, including cheetahs and mouse deer. This expansion aims to counteract a decline in species diversity, with the collection currently at 92 species from a previous 99 species three years ago. The modernization also includes upgraded enclosures, improved veterinary facilities, and a dedicated rescue center.