Bhubaneswar, Feb 4(Odisha.in ) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday inaugurated Aquarium and Moated Elephant Enclosure at the Nandankanan Zoo , located at a distance of around 20 kms from Bhubaneswar.
Briefing the media persons, Dr. Ajit Patnaik, Director of Nandankanan said, “Zoos are ideally positioned to contribute significantly for conservation of wild species by combining the animal husbandry, breeding particularly for the small population whose number is either declining or going to be extinct in nature.
In the modern zoo, aquarium is an integral part of the zoo and plays a vital role in conveying the message of conservation needs of the aquatic species. ”
The Centre for Environment Education ( CEE), Ahmedabad, a Centre of excellence, supported by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of have set up the Zoo aquarium at Nandankanan. CEE has adequate experience in establishment of interpretation as well as education centre .
They have set up of 14 numbers of aquariums adopting latest concept, techniques and gadgets. All these aquariums are equipped with in-situ filtration and recycling mechanism.
Out of 14 number of aquarium 4 are marine aquarium and rest are fresh water aquaria equipped with titanium chiller. The two large size marine aquariums are of 3.5 meters length and 0.9 meter width and rest two are of 2.4 metre length and 0.9 metre width.
Six fresh water aquariums are of 2.4m. length and .9m. width. The marine aquariums are equipped with the latest gadgets and components required to run the aquarium hassle free. One fresh water aquarium represents the fish fauna of Kanjia lake.
Apart from this, the objective of the zoo aquarium is to disseminate and convey the conservation need of the aquatic ecosystem. The most important component of the newly developed aquarium is the incorporation of the well researched education materials.
The education materials are displayed in form of 30 nos. of trans-slide display boards. It covers the all types of aquatic ecosystem. There is a special section which depicts the uniqueness of the marine ecosystem of Orissa.
Moated Elephant Enclosure.
A moated enclosure is developed over an area of 5.00 Acre to provide a near natural ambience for the Elephants. The enclosure is having the important components like natural vegetation, water hole and adequate space for the movement of the animals.
The new enclosure would stimulate their natural behaviour. It will also provide adequate opportunity to the visitors to watch the elephant in their near natural condition. A shade is also provided inside the enclosure.
Natural vegetation is introduced to make the enclosure conducive for the elephants. A visitor shelter is provided at an elevated point for better viewing. A double walled moat is constructed to maintain the safe distance between the visitors and the animals.
Odisha.in