Odisha’s Nandankanan To Become World-Class Zoo; Earns Over Rs 5 Cr In Pandemic-Hit Year

If everything happens as planned, Nandankanan Zoological Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the State, will be developed into a world-class zoo.

Attending a special event to mark the zoo’s 62nd foundation day, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sisir Kumar Ratho said that Nandankanan will be transformed into world-class zoo. “Efforts are underway to develop Nandankanan into a world-class zoo. For this, the Forest department and Wildlife organisations are taking all necessary steps,” Ratho said.

Elaborating the plans, Director, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Manoj V. Nayar said the main objective is to increase the animal population and improve visitors’ facilities to give them a good experience. “We all starting from the director to last worker try our level best to achieve the goal,” Nayar added.

The zoo’s foundation day also witnessed ‘Naamkaran’ or naming ceremony of six tiger cubs.

The new members that have been added to the big cats’ family were christened as Sohini, Vivek, Abhay, Rocky, Banshi and Rakesh. While tigress Megha gave birth to Sohini, Vivek and Abhay, Bijaya is the mother of the rest three cubs-Rocky, Banshi and Rakesh. Sources close to the zoo said all the cubs are hale and hearty.

Last year, the zoo remained out of bound for visitors for most of the days, thanks to the outbreak of Covid-19. In the annual report, the zoo authorities have mentioned it that a total of 8,20,000 tourists visited the zoo in 2020-21, giving an earning of Rs 5,18,00,000 to the park.

During the period, while as many as nine different species of animals were brought to Nandankanan from different states, six were sent to other states. Similarly, the zoo witnessed birth of 273 animals during last year while 74 of them lost their lives to various reasons.

However, the zoo authorities informed that a plan has been prepared to take up several developmental works in the zoo. Rope way, toy train services would also be resumed.
“In 2022, we will upgrade and improve the look of enclosures and give fact-lift to the lake and bus stand area. A beautification drive will be taken in Botanical Garden and the road that passes through it will also be widened. At the same time, we are having discussions with some zoos to bring some animals from them,” informed PCCF (wildlife) Shashi Paul.