Nandankanan Zoological Park is a Zoo and Botanical Garden situated at Bhubaneswar. Its the first zoo to join World Association of Zoos and Aquariums(WAZA) from India, in 2009.
A White Tiger inside Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Nandankanan Zoological Park was established in 1960 and opened to public in 1979. It is spread over an area of 400 hectares. The Zoo is extended over the protected areas of Krishnanagar and Jujhagarh Forests.
Nandankanan Zoo has 101 enclosures with 202 sub-enclosures; both cages and open moat enclosures. The Zoo has a total of 126 species, out of which 40 are mammal species, 56 bird species and 24 reptile species. 88 species are indigenous. 32 exotic species of animals are found in the Nandankanan Zoo.
White tiger safari is available inside the Zoo. This Zoo has the unique distinction of having given birth to White tigers in 1980, from normal colored tiger parents, inside cage. Endangered Gharials were also born in the Zoo in the same year. Many other species are breed inside the Nandankanan Zoo premises. Zoo is having Breeding Centers for mouse deer, Indian Pangolin, and White backed vultures.
The Zoo is home to many endangered animals. 5 endangered mammal species, 6 endangered bird species and 10 endangered reptile species are found in the Nandankanan Zoo.
You can adopt any animal at Nandankanan Zoological Park, by paying the fixed amount for that species. The adopted animal still remain in the Zoo. No transfer of ownership rights is allowed. Its a program to create awareness about wildlife conservation and to support the world class care and services given to the animals at the Zoo. NGO, Corporate companies or Individuals can be part of this program.
Nandankanan Botanical Garden is spread over an area of 173 acres inside the inside the Zoological Park. It was established in 1963 and is situated in between the wetlands of Kiakani Lake and Kanjia lake. Butterfly Garden, Rose Garden,Medicinal Garden, Japanese Garden, Bougainvillea garden, Heritage Garden, Dry Garden, Evolution Garden, Arboretum Park (Botanical Garden for Trees) and Mughal Garden are situated inside the Nandankanan Botanical Garden.
Nandankanan Zoological Park is also known as Nandankanan national park and is situated adjacent to Chandaka – Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary. The Zoo offers the best views of nature.
Nandankanan Zoological Park is closed on Mondays.
How Do I Go to Nandankanan Zoological Park?
Nandankanan Zoo is located near to Bhubaneswar which is well connected to other parts of the country.
Baranga Railway station on the is the nearest railway station at around one kilometer away. Bhubaneswar Railway station is at around 18 kilometers distance and Cuttack Railway station is at around 15 kilometers distance from the zoo. Bhubaneswar airport is the nearest airport to Nandankanan Zoological Park, at around 20 kilometers distance.