New Species For Nandankanan Zoo On 63rd Foundation Day

Bhubaneswar: The Nandankanan Zoological Park released a new species — a slender-tailed Meerkat — as it celebrated its 63rd foundation day on Thursday.

A new children’s park, a hand-rearing baby unit, and a modern operation theatre were also inaugurated.

The new children’s park is situated near the fountain of Nandankanan Zoo in an area of 16,000 square feet with beautiful landscaping and new play equipment such as swings, sliders, merry-go-round, spring riders, double see-saw, air walker, pendulum, trampoline, ABS trainer, spinner and multi-play station.

Meanwhile, the hand-rearing baby unit has been set up to cater to the needs of baby animals.

Besides, the centre has a facility for the animal keeper to stay inside for rearing of newborns round the clock. It has one milk preparation area, one neonatal ICU for sick neonates, separate cells for carnivores, herbivores and primate babies.

“We receive orphaned and rescued wild animal babies from all across the state on a regular basis to raise and rehabilitate. Babies of zoo animals also require bottle feeding sometimes due to their mother’s rejection and also if they have health issues. This centre is designed to cater to all these needs,” TOI reported Nandankanan Zoo director Manoj V Nair as saying.

What is a Meerkat?

The meerkat or suricate is a small mongoose found in southern Africa. It is characterised by a broad head, large eyes, a pointed snout, long legs, a thin tapering tail, and a brindled coat pattern. The head-and-body length is around 24–35 cm, and the weight is typically between 0.62 and 0.97 kg.