Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) in Bhubaneswar has got a new facility, ‘Nursery for hand-rearing of animal babies’, to take care of wild animal cubs that are deserted by their mothers at birth more efficiently. The new facility was inaugurated by forest and environment minister Pradip Kumar Amat on the zoo’s 63rd foundation day.
The special baby care centre, a first-of-its-kind, has been set up at an investment of Rs 10 lakh for bottle feeding and upkeep of animal babies rejected by their mothers during birth or having health-related issues.
The zoo also receives orphaned and rescued wild animal babies from across the state on a regular basis for hand-raising and rehabilitation.
The nursery has a facility for animal keepers to stay on its premises for the rearing of newborns who need special attention round-the-clock. The air-conditioned facility also has a milk preparation area, neo-natal ICU, and separate cells for carnivores, herbivores, and primate babies.
The centre is attached to five small closed paddocks where the animal babies can play, exercise, and have direct access to sunlight. The zoo has already received accolades for hand rearing of cubs of tigers and lions.
Also Read: New Species For Nandankanan Zoo On 63rd Foundation Day
