The Kapilas Zoo, which was recognized by the Zoo Authority of India on April 1, 1995 as the second zoo in Odisha, is now only surviving on a sign board. In the last 21 years, no tangible improvement of the zoo took place.
Sources said a deer park, inaugurated by former Forest Minister Natabar Pradhan on January 26, 1979 only over five hectares of land on the foothill of Kapilas to attract tourists, was elevated to the status of second zoo in Odisha 21 years back. Expecting that the zoo will gradually take the shape of Nandankanan, it was extended to 26.64 hectares by taking into its fold the reserve forest area and devottar land with the deer park. More than 150 spotted deer existed in the deer park those days. The zoo was initiated with 242 animals and 15 varieties of birds.
However, it received a major setback during the 1999 Super Cyclone. It took at least five years to repair the damaged sheds of the animals and other establishments by the authorities.
Subsequently, the zoo was used as the Sambar breeding centre and also as the rescue centre for elephants. But the zoo is now lying in a dilapidated condition with 149 spotted deer, two bears, two rescued elephants and a few birds of different species. Even though thousands of pilgrims visit to Sri Chandra Sekhar Jew temple every day, only two per cent among them show interest to visit the zoo. Paying five rupees as entrance ticket per head is discouraging them.
“The Government is not taking any interest to develop the zoo as they consider zoo is a loss-incurring project. Besides, tigers and lions cannot be housed here as buffalo meet cannot be allowed considering the sacredness of Kapilas. So, the zoo has been losing its sheen,” said an official.