Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s only zoo, Nandankanan Zoological Park, reopened on Tuesday after 19 days post Fani with a footfall of 2,338 tourists.
Zoo Deputy Director Jayant Kumar Das said, “On the first day, 2,338 people visited the zoo. We recorded it from the sale of tickets.”
The visitors were happy to see the animals safe. However, they had to deal with the scorching heat as trees damaged in the severe cyclonic storm provided no shade.
“The zoo has lost its green cover. It is a matter concern,” said a visitor.
The animals were also seen searching shade after 9 am. Tigers and bears were seen lounging in the water bodies. Chimpanzee and Orangutan stayed put inside the cage.
Fani had left behind a trail of destruction in the zoo. Trees from the main gate to Daruthenga were destroyed. The fallen trees have been cleared and normalcy has been restored.
According to environmentalists, it will take no less than 20 years to revive the green cover, for which zoo guides, foresters and the forest department employees are putting their minds together.
