Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art tiger enclosure at Sambalpur Zoo. The enclosure, spanning 1,500 square metres, will house two pairs of Royal Bengal Tigers for the first time.
Speaking at the event, Pradhan said, “The Central Zoo Authority, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has approved the proposal. Sambalpur Zoo is unique for its scenic location on the hills and its rich biodiversity.”
The new enclosure will feature a 155-square-metre night house designed like a natural cave, a 100-square-metre kraal, a cascade waterfall over natural rocks with a 50-square-metre water pool, hillocks, wooden logs, and animal dens. The exhibits will mimic natural habitats, ensuring the animals feel comfortable. The boundary will include a brick base, chain-link fencing, and a powered fence for safety.
Pradhan also laid the foundation for an underwater viewing enclosure for ‘Mugger’ and ‘Gharial’ crocodiles. The facility will allow visitors to observe the animals both on land and in water, showcasing their natural behavior.
With an aim to boost wildlife conservation and tourism, Pradhan had earlier announced plans to develop Sambalpur Zoo as Odisha’s second Nandankanan Zoological Park, with joint support from the central and state governments.
Sambalpur Zoo already features the state’s only glass-walled leopard enclosure and a nocturnal house that highlights the behavior of night-active creatures.
It also boasts an open-air orchidarium with 100 orchid species, making it a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
