Bhubaneswar: The State Government today revealed that the Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar has 4,275 wild animals of 166 different species.
Out of them, there are 1876 birds of 78 species, 2,021 mammals of 52 species, 357 reptiles of 30 species and 21 amphibians of six species, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh R Singhkhuntia informed the Odisha Assembly.
While responding to a query by BJD MLA Bibhuti Bhushan Balbantray, the Minister explained a series of measures taken by the government for the protection of the animals and birds in the zoo.
Singhkhuntia said that health care, cleanliness and quality food are provided on priority for the safety of animals in Nandankanan.
To take care of the health of the animals, a state-of-the-art Veterinary health centre has been set up with a application centre and a surgical room at Nandankanan. The treatment and care are carried out by three experienced veterinarians and necessary assistants, the Minister told the House.
Similarly, a health committee consisting of experts from Odisha Veterinary College has been formed for the prevention of animal mortality and better health care. The minister further informed that the animals are being treated with the advice and support of the State Government-constituted Technical Committee. A schedule of health protocol, vaccination schedule, and sanitation schedule has been executed properly and timely, he maintained.
A special forest officer along with foresters, forest ranger and 50 security personnel have been appointed for the internal and external protection of animals and birds in Nandankanan Zoo. Apart from this, other forest officers, forest rangers and forest guards have been appointed.
Day and night vigils have been arranged for the protection of animals and birds. A wall has been built around it.
Animals and birds in Nandankanan are kept in the natural environment for breeding. The different animals and the animals living in groups according to their species are kept in enclosures and safaris which help them breed, the Minister added.
Efforts are being made to pair up single animals under animal exchange programme.
He informed that the zoo has a state-of-the-art newborn care centre is functioning for the care of baby animals who are abandoned by their mothers.
