Bhubaneswar: MGM Group led by Corporate Czar Pankaj Lochan Mohanty today provided Rs 1.10 crore to give a much-needed boost to the Animal Adoption program at Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Ace Philanthropist and Wildlife Lover Shri Mohanty along with MGM Director Siddhartha Mohanty has handed over a cheque of Rs 1.10 crore to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi here at Lok Seva Bhawan. ACS to Chief Minister Nikunja Bihari Dhal also graced the cheque presentation ceremony.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi in the X Platform has mentioned about the efforts in this regard.
According to official sources, MGM Group has given the fund to bring some international category wild animals to Nandankanan Zoo as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
MGM Director Siddhartha Mohanty is leading the CSR Campaign and supporting social causes in a big way. He is also an avid nature lover and wildlife enthusiast.
As per plan chalked out by the Forest and Environment Department, the fund will be utilized to bring three African cheetahs to the Zoo. At least three cheetahs (two female and a male) are likely to be brought to Nandankanan very soon.
A special team of doctors, wildlife experts and other supporting staff would be engaged along with an agency to bring the animals to the State, said a senior forest official.
Though a minimal amount would be paid to the concerned forest authority, a lion share of the fund would be utilized for transportation and other required support to being the African cheetahs to the Nandankanan Zoo, sources said.
Apart from cheetahs, the Forest Department has also planned to bring two Black Rhinoceros, four Kangaroos and four Zebras to the zoo in future.
“Nandankanan is Odisha’s pride. This contribution reflects the commitment of organisations toward its development. I personally thank the company for its generous support. With such collaborative efforts, the growth and conservation of wildlife at Nandankanan will be further strengthened,” the CM said.
Nandankanan is one of the largest zoological parks in India and has the unique distinction of being located inside a forest. It has nearly 3,004 animals, including 1,175 mammals, 1,546 birds, 262 reptiles and 21 amphibians. Of the 156 species of animals at the Zoo, 103 are indigenous and 53 are exotic.
Nandankanan is associated with several international and national zoological parks and animal sanctuaries. To enrich biodiversity, it regularly participates in animal exchange programs, acquiring new species. The Park has been constantly urging Corporate Sector, as well as individuals, to provide support through the Animal Adoption Program.