Bhubaneswar: A new and exclusive exotic primate enclosure was inaugurated today at the Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) by Odisha’s Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia. The state-of-the-art enclosure is set to house seven species of primates from around the world, showcasing the park’s commitment to conservation and visitor engagement.
Designed with a naturalistic approach, the enclosure will accommodate species such as the Cotton Top Tamarin, Golden Handed Tamarin, Siamang, Black Tufted Marmoset, Common Marmoset, Geoffroy’s Marmoset, and Squirrel Monkey. Four of these — Cotton Top Tamarin, Siamang, Common Marmoset, and Geoffroy’s Marmoset — are new additions to the zoo, brought under the patronage of SN Mohanty Group, Barbil, Keonjhar, through the ‘Patron of Nandankanan’ program.
Spanning over 13,665 square feet, the enclosure complex has been developed at a cost of ₹1.75 crore and features seven habitat-specific zones, 18 feeding cells, and 10 back kraals. Designed to replicate the natural environments of each species, the facility integrates a stretchable tensile fabric canopy, glass-fronted viewing areas, waterfalls, landscaped surroundings, and stamped concrete paths to enrich the viewing experience for visitors.
Susanta Nanda, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), highlighted that the primate enclosure is the only one of its kind in India, reflecting the zoo’s leading role in primate conservation.