BHUBANESWAR: Tuesday was their day - that of the tiger cubs, elephant calves and even the killer jumbos. They basked in public appreciation and even got to feel their affection and appreciation. A day when they held the centre-stage. Marking the Wildlife Week, Nandankanan Zoological Park named the two tiger cubs which were born a few months ago. With suggestions of visitors and schoolchildren, the cubs were christened - Bijaya and Ragini. October 4 which is observed as “Hasti Divas” saw the Zoo authorities presenting three adult elephants and as many calves to interact with the public. Environment and Forest Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Forest Secretary Aurobinda Behera and Chief Wildlife Warden JD Sharma felicitated the mahouts and the helpers of the elephants on the occasion. The Zoo also unveiled a Small Mammal Enclosure. A recently procured Jungle Cat, a pair of white and normal porcupines and ratel have been housed at the enclosure. A leopard cat will soon be made its inmate, Zoo Director Dr Sudarshan Panda said. The Chandaka Wildlife Division also observed the day with style. Two of its most-talked about jumbos - Shankar and Nandan - which were in the news not very long ago for killing human beings were allowed to be friendly with the tourists and visitors who even offered fodder to them. The Division also saw its Eco-Tourism Project at Jhumuka, where a water body is located, inaugurated by the Environment and Forest Minister. Day visitors will now get all the basic amenities besides receiving a tip or two about environment. “The Village Committee, which is in the process of being constituted, will take over management of the Eco-Tourism Project by next week,” DFO, Chandaka Division Akshaya Kumar Patnaik said. Last year, the Division had created similar facilities at Deras. Chief Conservator of Forests Dr SS Srivastava was present.
Comments
0 comment