Nandankanan Zoological Park, located in the capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is a herald of the rich flora and fauna of the region. This sprawling zoo was officially opened to the public on December 29, 1960, and has since evolved into one of the premier large zoos in India. Nandankanan, in literal terms, means the "Garden of Heaven," and true to its name, it offers a heavenly experience for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Set amidst the pristine and serene Chandaka forest, this 400-hectare zoo is home to over 1580 animals, including 634 mammals, 812 birds, and 134 reptiles as per the recent statistics. It was one of the first zoos in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009. Nandankanan is not just a zoo but also a botanical garden, with a portion designated as Kanjia Lake, which is a wetland of national importance.
The unique feature of the zoo is its White Tiger Safari, which was the first of its kind in India. The zoo achieved remarkable breeding success with white tigers, with the first litter being born in 1980. Since then, Nandankanan has been known for its captive propagation of white tigers that attract a large number of tourists every year.
Nandankanan Zoological Park has seen several shifts in tourism trends over the years. Recent trends include:
The future of Nandankanan Zoological Park continues to look bright. It is a sanctuary for animals and a hub of conservation activities, where the authorities constantly work towards the betterment of the resident species and their habitats. With ongoing efforts to improve and expand, Nandankanan remains a gem in India's ecological and tourism landscape.
