Bhubaneswar: Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia today inaugurated Exotic Primate Complex here at Nandankanan Zoological Park. PCCF Wildlife Susanta Nanda graced the Occasion.
Minister Shri Singh Khuntia inaugurated state-of-the-art exotic primate enclosure complex under World of Primate thematic display.
“Nandankan now has the distinction of having an exclusive exotic primate enclosure, the only in India, inaugurated by Honourable FE&CC Minister today. Cotton Top & Golden Handed Tamarin, Siamang, Black Tufted with Common & Geoffroy’s Marmoset; Squirrel Monkey will welcome u,” tweeted Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Wildlife, Susanta Nanda.
This naturalistic enclosure complex is designed to house seven species of primates from around the world, including Cotton Top Tamarin, Golden Handed Tamarin, Siamang, Black Tufted Marmoset, Common Marmoset, Geoffroy’s Marmoset and Squirrel Monkey.
Notably, four of these species – Cotton Top Tamarin, Siamang, Common Marmoset, and Geoffroy’s Marmoset – are new additions to the park’s animal collection, zoo officials said.
SNM Group Director Pragati Kumar Mohanty presented the list of new found species. These new species have been collected through SNM Group, Barbil, Konjhar.
Minister Shri Singh Khuntia appreciated the efforts of SNM Group, which is actively promoting Green Initiatives.
The enclosure complex, developed over an area of 13665.20 sq. ft. featuring seven nature-simulating enclosures with species-specific enrichment, 18 feeding cells, and 10 back kraals, meticulously designed to mimic the natural habitat of these fascinating creatures at an expenditure of Rs 1.75 crores, they said.
Additionally, the visitor facilities have also been upgraded with addition of stretchable tensile fabric canopy, glass fronted viewing area, water fall, landscaping and stamp concrete roads to enhance the overall visitor experience.