Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s first endoscopy unit for animals has been made functional at Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) here.

The endoscopy unit at NZP veterinary hospital is the first-of-its-kind facility in Odisha. No other veterinary hospital in the state has such facility, sources said.

“The endoscopy unit at Nandankanan will be a boon to the animals at the zoo. Now, the veterinarians at NZP can conduct endoscopy on the ailing animals without any difficulty,” said an official.

The state government has recently provided several pieces of modern equipment to NZP. The zoo now has thermal imaging cameras, portable X-ray machine, long-range tranquilizer guns and ultrasound machine.

Besides, a neonatal ICU, an ultramodern operation theatre and a dental surgery unit have been opened at NZP.

It is worth mentioning here that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has recently approved a proposal to develop NZP as a world-class zoo.

The developmental work at NZP will be carried out in two phases. Nandankanan and Botanical Garden will be developed in the first phase from 2023-25. Night safari, safari complex and other facilities will be developed at nearby Choodanga forest in the second phase from 2025-28, sources said.

Nandankanan will have tunnel aquarium, water bird aviary, emersive enclosures, modern frontage, landscaping and other advanced facilities for the visitors as part of the developmental project, they added.