Odisha Prepares to Launch Black Tiger Safari in Baripada

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is gearing up to establish a melanistic (black) tiger safari in Baripada, located in the Mayurbhanj district. Preparations are already underway, as confirmed by Odisha’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Susanta Nanda on Wednesday.

The Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAOI) has granted approval for the project, and the state is currently awaiting permission from the Supreme Court. Nanda stated, “Work for the melanistic tiger safari will commence shortly. We plan to introduce four melanistic tigers from Nandankanan Zoo, along with another tiger carrying the melanism gene. No melanistic tigers will be sourced from the wild for this safari. Our goal is to increase the population of melanistic tigers through this initiative.”

Preparations for the safari are progressing rapidly, with some work already initiated. A treatment centre for wild animals is also being established as part of the project. Nanda expressed optimism, noting that while CZAOI approval is secured, they anticipate receiving Supreme Court permission soon to launch the safari.