Baripada, Nov 21: After long anticipation, the world’s first black tiger safari is set to open at Manchabeda, about 10 km from the Similipal Tiger Reserve. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) have approved the project, and a Supreme Court petition that delayed the opening has been cleared.

The safari will occupy 200 hectares, with 100 hectares for tiger habitat and the remaining land for staff, rescue centres, parking, and a veterinary hospital. Initially, five black tigers-three from Nandankanan Zoo and two from Ranchi Zoo-will be introduced. Visitors are expected within the next six months.

The project aims to boost Odisha’s wildlife tourism while ensuring no impact on tiger conservation efforts. Social media buzz around Similipal’s melanistic tiger T-12 and its feature in National Geographic has heightened public interest, promising strong tourist turnout.