Odisha’s Sambalpur Zoo is set for a major transformation as Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art tiger enclosure at the Sambalpur Zoo and Conservation Centre in Motijharan. The upcoming 1,500 sq metre enclosure will soon house four Royal Bengal Tigers, marking the first time the zoo will host these iconic big cats. With approval from the Central Zoo Authority under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the new addition is expected to boost both wildlife conservation initiatives and tourism in the region.

During the ceremony, Pradhan placed the first brick for the modern facility, signalling the beginning of an important phase in the zoo’s development. Alongside the tiger enclosure, the zoo will introduce mugger and gharial crocodile species, supported by the construction of a specialized habitat to accommodate the reptiles.

Originally established in 1980 and renamed “Sambalpur Zoo & Rescue Centre” by the former BJD government in July 2023, the zoo spans roughly 35 acres and has become one of western Odisha’s key wildlife attractions. In May this year, Pradhan had announced plans to develop the facility into Odisha’s second Nandankanan Zoological Park through collaborative efforts between the central and state governments. He also met with Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav to advocate for the expansion of the zoo and the declaration of the nearby Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve.

The Sambalpur Zoo is already home to several unique features, including Odisha’s only glass-walled leopard enclosure that offers visitors an up-close view of the animals in a safe environment. The zoo also has a nocturnal house where visitors can observe the behaviour of creatures active at night, along with an open-air orchidarium showcasing 100 varieties of orchids.

With the addition of Royal Bengal Tigers and expanded facilities, the Sambalpur Zoo is poised to emerge as a major conservation and tourism hub, strengthening Odisha’s wildlife ecosystem and offering visitors an enriched educational experience.