3 enclosures inaugurated in Nandankanan

--Now visitors can see world’s smallest monkeys

BARANG: On the occasion of 54th Foundation Day of Nandankanan Zoological Park, Forest and Environment Minister Bijayshree Routray inaugurated three new enclosures for wild hares, amphibians and Marmoset monkeys inside the zoo here on Sunday.  

One of the attractions of the zoo was the enclosure for Marmoset, which is known as the world’s smallest monkey. The zoo authorities have spent Rs 4.49 lakh for the construction of the new enclosure. It is developed in 780 sqft of area inside the zoo to give a favourable atmosphere for three pairs of Marmosets, zoo official sources said.

Marmosets are about 20 cm long and they show some apparently primitive features relative to other monkeys. These animals are native to Central and South America. From the size point of view, one can hold a Marmoset with the help of a finger, said Sanctuary Range Officer Anjan Kumar Mohanty.

Similarly, the enclosure for a pair of wild hares is developed in 540 sqft of area at the cost of Rs 2.61 lakh, while amphibian enclosure has been constructed at the cost of Rs 6.5 lakh to house 12 types of frogs, said the zoo authorities.

Gracing the occasion, the Minister said they would try to enhance the quality of the zoo to attract more visitors. As a first step, they would start work for reconstruction of the Kanjia Lake inside the zoo area, he added.

On the issue of the wild tiger, which was captured by the zoo officials in the month of May this year, would be released within 15 days. He also said that they would bring mate for zoo’s single animals including Orangutan, Rhinoceros, Giraffe and Zebra.

Notably, the zoo, which is developed in 376 hectares of area, was established by the then Chief Minister Dr HK Mahtab in 1960. Now it has housed 2185 creatures of 126 species, zoo official sources said. 

Routray felicitated employees of the zoo for their excellent job. Among others, Forest Secretary RK Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) BP Singh, Nandankanan Zoo Director Sudarshan Panda, Deputy Director Manoj V Nair and Sanctuary Range Officer Anjan Kumar Mohanty were present.