Nandankanan Zoological Park unveils 11 new animal species

Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) in Bhubaneswar has opened enclosures to the public featuring 36 animals and birds representing 11 new species. The unveiling took place on Saturday to coincide with state-level Wildlife Week celebrations.

The animals were part of a larger group of 58 exotic creatures from 14 species donated to the zoo on September 12 by the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Gujarat. Following a 22-day quarantine period, these new additions include zebras, kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies, tufted capuchins, meerkats, scarlet ibises, sulphur-crested cockatoos, and various macaw species.

NZP Deputy Director Pradeep Mirase stated that the remaining animals from the donation will be released into their enclosures in the coming days. Additionally, zoo authorities have received approval to import two female red kangaroos from the Czech Republic and two zebras from another country to further expand the collection.