KOHIMA: Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP) at Rangapahar in Dimapur district has welcomed six spotted deers (Sheetals) from Guwahati on Saturday.
According to official sources here on Sunday the deers were released by Nagaland Minister for Forest, Ecology, Environment and Wildlife M C Konyak at the Deer Park, a separate enclosure constructed inside NZP to serve as a natural habitat for the deer species and other wild life.
Mr Konyak said, “There has been a noticeable improvement in the quality of vegetation and biodiversity within the park which is evident in the marked increase in the number of free-ranging wildlife species found in the park.”
He also added revenue collection from ticket sales since the inauguration of the park has been increasing although the pace of development of the park has not been upto expected level.
With NZP included among the 25 prioritised zoos in the country, the Minister said bringing NZP up to the expectations of a model zoo also depends on the people of Nagaland and not only the Forest department alone.
Chief Wildlife Warden T Lotha, giving a brief description of the Deer Park, said it has been constructed to create a simulated environment for the animals to provide them with a natural habitat.
He also informed that there are around 25 species and more than 100 animals at the zoo.
He pointed out that NZP with an area of 176 hectare will offer a wide ranging scope for eco-tourism in the days to come.
Appealing the people living around the NZP for cooperation, he said they will be the first to benefit commercially and economically, once the NZP improves. (UNI)