The world's first-ever Black Tiger Safari is finally set to open in Manchabeda, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, after receiving clearances from the Central Zoo Authority (CZAA) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The long-awaited project received a final green signal following a Supreme Court directive on November 18, which clarified that tiger safaris are permitted in degraded non-forest or buffer land, provided they do not impact tiger conservation.
Since the Manchabeda site is 10 km from the Similipal forest border, the project can now proceed.
The safari will occupy 200 hectares, with half reserved for the sanctuary and the rest for infrastructure. Officials confirmed that five melanistic tigers—three from Nandankanan and two from Ranchi Zoo—will be housed here initially.
The safari is expected to open to tourists within the next six months, significantly boosting Odisha's wildlife tourism.