Jammu, March 13 The Indian Railways carried out a rare wildlife logistics operation on Friday by transporting two hippopotamuses from Chennai to Jammu, from where they were transferred to their new enclosure at the Jammu Zoo on the outskirts of the city.
Officials said the animals were brought from Chennai Central to Jammu Railway Station in a special parcel coach attached to the Andaman Express train.
"The journey of approximately 2,804 kilometres was completed in about 51 hours, significantly faster than road transport," they said.
A dedicated team of wildlife experts and veterinarians accompanied the animals throughout the journey to ensure proper care, including a regular supply of food and water, they said.
The operation was carried out through coordination between the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Wildlife Protection and railway authorities.
Rail transport is considered safer and less stressful for animals compared to road travel, officials said, adding that the arrival of the hippopotamuses is expected to enhance the attraction of the zoo and boost local tourism.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said that on March 3, the railways had transported a wildlife consignment comprising two Himalayan black bears and two leopard cats from Jammu to Chennai through train.
The successful transfer highlights the growing capability of the railways in handling specialised wildlife consignments across long distances, he said.