Demand for Mahurikalua Zoological Park gathering steam

Environmental protection and conservation of rare species of animals and birds have gained currency across the country while attempts in this regard leave a lot to be desired in Orissa. Ganjam District and the southern region of Orissa are home to some unique species of animals and birds which are getting extinct over time. Be it the Black Bucks of Bhetanai, peacocks in Pakidi, Olive Ridley turtles found in Rushikulya River mouth, Dolphins of Chilika Lake, wild animals like bears, elephants and leopards of Koraput and Kandhamal etc., all face the danger of extinction, if better protection measures are not put in place. Wild and rare animals have importance from the tourism point of view as well. Ganjam district in particular is known for some popular tourist destinations like Gopalpur, Chilika lake, Taptapani, TaraTarini, Tampara, Sonepur, Rushikulya mouth etc. The tourism potential of this region can be harnessed better if an attractive zoological park is established near Berhampur city at Mahurikalua, on the lines of Nandankanan, feel many people in Ganjam District. 

MahuriKalua is an attractive destination in the Eastern-Ghat range with huge tracts of reserved forest and is home to some wild animals and even some tribal habitations as well. Located on the outskirts of Berhampur city, the place is well connected being on the Berhampur – Koraput State Highway and can well turn out to be a tourist attraction if converted into a zoo, feel these people. The local communities in Ganjam are known for protection of rare animals and this has been appreciated by organizations like the United Nations in the past. Therefore the zoo at Mahurikalua will be like a recognition of the efforts of these communities who have taken up such a noble cause for past may years, felt these people.  The establishment of a zoo at Mahurikalua near Berhampur city will be an added attraction for the tourists visiting the region and many organizations have demanded its immediate establishment.