Bhubaneswar: Authorities of Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) and State Botanical Garden on the city outskirts further extended closure of the two facilities in view of surge in COVID-19 cases.

"Closure of Nandankanan Zoo and State Botanical Garden has been extended until further orders as a precautionary measure against the deadly virus," said Deputy Director of the zoo today.

Earlier, the authorities had closed the zoo and the botanical garden for visitors with effect from May 1 till May 15.

During the closure period, sanitization drive will be carried out at the zoo to prevent transmission of the virus.