As a new initiative to attract visitors in and outside the State, the authorities of the Nandankanan Zoological Park would inaugurate a top-open enclosure for the leopards inside the zoo area soon, said zoo assistant Director Kamal lochan Purohit.
"It is first of its kind in the State and will attract visitors in a good number," Purohit said, adding, "Except some minor works, we have almost completed the work of the enclosure and probably, the work will be completed by January first week."
The top-open enclosure is developed in 1,500 square metres of area inside the zoo. According to the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), a four-metre high fence made up of iron surrounding the enclosure will be built up and on its top there would be a one-metre high stainless steel plate.
The steel plate connected with wires will remain downward facing the enclosure. There would be enough safety measures to prevent the animals from climbing and jumping out. On the top of the steel plate, the wire will be connected to solar charged battery which would give shock to a leopard if it happens to touch the wire. The shock will not harm the animal as its intensity is very low.
Inside the enclosure, the zoo authorities have created a green atmosphere for the leopards so that the animals can feel like roaming in the forest. Even the authorities have made arrangements so that visitors can enjoy seeing the wildness of the animals in the roofless enclosure. Now, the zoo has a total seven leopards (four female and three male). After completion of the work of the enclosure, two pairs of leopards will be shifted to the top-open enclosure, said Purohit.