As its name signifies, Nandankanan is indeed a veritable Garden of Gods. With the largest animal collection of any zoo in India, this Zoological Park is recognized as one of the best zoos in our country and is the only large zoo of the State of Odisha. Established on 29th December 1960, Nandankanan over the years has witnessed significant improvements in providing the highest standards in housing, husbandry and health care to its denizens and a fascinating experience to its visitors. It enjoys a special place in the wildlife conservation annals of our country for its inimitable amalgamation of in-situ and ex-situ conservation initiatives. It is worth mentioning that the forested landscape encompassing the Zoological Park, Kanjia lake and State Botanical Garden has been declared as Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over an area of 4.37 sq.km on 3rd August, 1979. The sprawling zoo houses about 4300 plus individuals belonging to 165 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians. Further, the Nandankanan Sanctuary is home to a rich assemblage of wild flora and free-living wildlife. The State Botanical Garden which spreads over an area of 75 ha adjoining the Zoological Park is one of the most important plant conservation facilities in the State with more than 750 species of plants having been documented. There are two important wetlands namely Kanjia lake (66 ha) and Kiakani lake (25 ha) in Sanctuary. The former is the main water source for Nandankanan Zoological Park and State Botanical Garden. It supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna and is an ideal site for spreading awareness and education for conserving wetlands. Therefore, it has been listed as a Wetland of National importance by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India in the year 2006.
As the head of Team Nandankanan, it is my pleasure to inform you that we have completed another outstanding year of biodiversity conservation, zoo management, research and education. Nandankanan has been very popular, as always, among tourists and local inhabitants and has attracted 3.9 million visitors during the year 2023-24 and has earned revenue of more than 21 crores. Significant improvements were achieved in the infrastructure development, animal collection, care of rescued and infant animals, health care, fodder production and conservation research. The notable species which were born during the current year includes Sloth bear, Mouse deer, Blackbuck, Hog deer, Stump-tailed macaque, Swamp deer, Jackal, Assamese macaque, Manipuri deer, Four-horned antelope, Asiatic lion, Indian grey wolf, Sambar, Hippopotamus, Ratel, Indian hare, Common palm civet, Leopard cat, Indian fox, Squirrel monkey, Emu, Mugger, Red jungle fowl, Black kite, Painted stork, Grey pelican, Indian peafowl, Alexandrine parakeet, Night heron, Mandarin duck, etc. Adding to its expertise in neo-natal care and hand-rearing of abandoned baby animals, the Zoo successfully reared very young babies of Hill mynah (4 nos), Four horned antelope (1 no), Ratel cubs (2 nos), Elephant calves (2 nos) and Lion cubs (2 nos) during the period. During the financial year 2023-24, we have welcomed 46 animals of 14 species to the zoo in animal exchange programme with an objective of infusion of new blood line to the existing stock and also addition of new species to the zoo collection.
During the year, many enclosures and visitor facilities were added which includes Wallaby enclosure, Hoolock gibbon enclosure, Quarantine unit for Indian pangolin, Back kraal for small mammal sections, WhatsApp based ticketing for visitors, upgradation of visitor roads, Ropeway facility, Drinking water fountains, Development and beautification of Lily pool at Multi Level Car Parking facility, New quarters for Foresters and Forest Guards. Restoration of Kiakani Lake, Up gradation of Conference Hall, Bambusetum and Hydrophyte Aquarium at State Botanical Garden have significantly enhanced the park’s ecological and aesthetic value.
As a commitment to in-situ conservation, during 2023-24, It was heartening that the natural breeding of Gharial occurred for the third consecutive year at Satkosia Gorge, the project implementation site. On 24th May 2023, 35 Gharial hatchlings hatched at the same nest from the same mother as the previous year.
Research is in the DNA of Nandankanan. Following the long-term commitment to scientific contribution, three research papers in various national and international journals were published on numerous aspects of ex-situ conservation and managing captive wild animals. Significant enhancements of the Zoo Laboratory have taken place.
As regards healthcare, the Zoo Hospital has witnessed a tremendous upgradation of facilities during the last year. The highest standards of health care and animal husbandry practices have resulted in a reduced annual death rate in 2023-24. This was possible due to sincere efforts by our Zoo veterinarians, cooperation from the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, and valuable advice and guidance from the Health Committee and Technical Committee on important health care issues.
Many zoo education and citizen science programmes including Celebration of World Environment Day, World Crocodile Day, International Tiger Day, Cheetah Awareness Week, Vanmahotsav, World Elephant Day, 69th Wildlife Week, World Wetland Day, World Pangolin Day and World Wildlife Day were organized during the year 2023-24. Nandankanan has started promoting Citizen Science (the voluntary involvement of the public in scientific study) in a big way. Various programs include Sunday Bird Walk, Great Backyard Bird Count, Odisha Birders Conclave, Tree Walk, Butterfly and Moth Watch, Nature Trail Walks and Herp Walks were conducted at regular intervals. Twelve interns completed their internship work and contributing to our research effort.
Needless to say, all this could not have been achieved but for the sincere efforts of all members of Team Nandankanan, and I would take this opportunity to thank them all - our dedicated staff, members of various technical and advisory committees and senior officers.
I am optimistic that with their hard work and sound advice, aided by the constant guidance of the Hon’ble Minister, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Odisha, the Addl. Chief Secretary heading the Department, along with PCCF Wildlife & Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha, we will continue to build upon our impactful legacy and forge ahead with our vision to place Nandankanan in the list of world-class zoos.
Dr. Manoj V. Nair, IFS
Director, Nandankanan Biological Park