Bhubaneswar: Two interesting projects — an underwater crocodile enclosure and north-east panorama (displaying animals of north-east) — have been planned for Nandankanan zoological park with govt making Rs 50 crore budgetary provision. “The twin projects among many more are expected to take Nandankanan to new heights among zoos,” zoo officials said.
“The Rs 15-crore underwater crocodile enclosure will lend more exciting view with visitors being allowed to enter inside a glass pool, which will have crocodiles. The visitors can have an overhead view as well as from both sides. It is different from a walk-through enclosure,” said Susanta Nannda, principal chief conservator of forests, wildlife. The zoo will have a cheetah enclosure that will cost Rs 11 crore.
“We have planned to bring a pair of cheetah from Dubai Safari Park. More may be brought in later stage,” said Nandankanan deputy director Sanath Kumar.
The north-east panaroma project for which five big enclosures will be created will house mostly apes like spectacle monkey, Assamese macaque, stump-tailed macaque, pig-tailed macaque and a vulture, Himalayan griffon. A walk-through aquarium will come up over half an acre area. It will be double-storied and visitors can watch aquatic animals on either sides while walking inside it. The zoo already has a walk-through aviary. But another multi-level walk-through aviary will be built spending Rs 30 crore in one year. The zoo will also upgrade its medicinal plant garden and orchidarium. The zoo will improve signage system inside it to facilitate self-guided tour and to support educational activities.

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