New Delhi, June 14 -- The National Zoological Park (NZP), Delhi, is seeking mates for at least 16 animal and bird species currently represented by either a lone individual or same-sex groups to boost breeding, animal welfare, and genetic diversity, an official said on Saturday. Zoo director Sanjeet Kumar said multiple exchange programmes are currently at different stages of discussion, with the immediate focus being on pairing single-sex animals. "The exchanges are at different stages of discussion. Based on our requirements, we can then give away surplus species. Our prime focus is to pair the single sex animals, while also infusing a fresh bloodline," said Kumar. He said discussions are underway with Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park at Chhatbir, Punjab; Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, Ranchi; Rohtak Zoo, Haryana; and Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Among the 16 species the Delhi zoo is seeking partners for include ostrich, rhea, Egyptian vulture, Indian grey hornbill, grey langur, small Indian civet, rhinoceros, black bear, barn owl, grey francolin, black francolin, black swan, bar-headed goose, spoonbill, porcupine and blue-winged macaw. Officials said some species have remained without mates for years and are being prioritised. These include the zoo's two male ostriches, both aged around seven to eight years; a nine-year-old female rhea that has been at the zoo since 2018; a male Egyptian vulture aged over 20 years; a male Indian grey hornbill aged around 10 years; a 15-year-old male grey langur; a lone male small Indian civet; a single male black swan; and an 18-year-old female rhinoceros. The rhino enclosure had briefly housed a breeding pair after a male was brought to Delhi in 2024, but the animal died last year....