Sambalpur, Nov 24: Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday laid the foundation stone for a new tiger enclosure at the Sambalpur Zoo, marking a major step toward upgrading it into a medium-sized zoological park.
Pradhan placed the first brick for a modern 1,500 sq. metre enclosure designed to house two pairs of Royal Bengal Tigers—set to be introduced for the first time in the zoo’s history.
He noted that the Central Zoo Authority under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has already granted approval for the project.
Highlighting the zoo’s distinct appeal, Pradhan said Sambalpur Zoo stands out for its natural charm and hilltop setting.
“The natural beauty of Sambalpur Zoo is truly captivating. Recently, the double-engine government decided to upgrade it from a small zoo to a mid-sized one. Development work has begun with a sanctioned budget of ₹5 crore, which is commendable. Our aim is to transform Sambalpur Zoo into one of Odisha’s most prominent tourist and wildlife attractions,” he said.
The tiger enclosure will feature a 155 sq. metre night house designed like a natural cave, a 100 sq. metre kraal, a cascade waterfall flowing over natural rocks, a 50 sq. metre water pool, hillocks, wooden logs, animal dens, and other naturalistic elements. These features are intended to replicate a natural habitat and ensure the animals’ comfort. The enclosure’s boundary will include a brick base, chain-link fencing, and a power fence to ensure safety, an official said.
Pradhan also laid the foundation stone for an underwater viewing enclosure for Mugger and Gharial crocodiles.
“I am extremely delighted to lay the foundation stone for the tiger, crocodile, and gharial enclosures at Sambalpur Zoo. This reflects our strong commitment to wildlife conservation. As the zoo develops, it will emerge as a major national tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to see rare animals such as tigers, crocodiles, and gharials,” Pradhan shared in a post on X.
The crocodile viewing facility will allow visitors to observe the animals both on land and underwater, offering a closer look at their swimming patterns and behaviour in a naturalistic aquatic setting, an official added.
Earlier, Pradhan had announced plans to develop Sambalpur Zoo into Odisha’s second Nandankanan Zoological Park through joint efforts of the central and state governments, with an objective of enhancing both wildlife conservation and tourism in the region.
Sambalpur Zoo already features Odisha’s only glass-walled leopard enclosure, giving visitors an intimate viewing experience.
