66th Foundation Day 2025

PRESS NOTE
66th FOUNDATION DAY OF NANDANKANAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK

Nandankanan Zoological Park celebrated its 66th Foundation Day on 29th December, 2025. Hon’ble Minister of Forests, Environment and Climate change, Government of Odisha Sri Ganesh Ram Singh khuntia, has graced the occasion as the chief guest. Sri Susant Kumar Rout, MLA (North), Sri Bibhuti Bhusan Balabantaray, MLA, Jatni, Sri Priyadarshi Mishra, Ex-MLA (Bhubaneswar North), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Odisha, Sri Suresh Pant, IFS and, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha Sri Prem Kumar Jha, IFS have also graced the occasion as guest of honour. Director, Nandankanan Biological Park Dr Manoj V. Nair, IFS, welcomed the guests and other invited dignitaries. He presented the progress and management of the park for the financial year 2024-25 in the form of small videos named “Highlights of Nandankanan” In the said event, 13 staff of Nandankanan who rendered exceptional services during the year 2023-24 were felicitated in 13 categories with certificates and monetary prizes. Further, best zoo ambassador, best performers under citizen science programme, internship programme, and zoo volunteer, who contributed towards animal conservation efforts at the zoo were also felicitated. Nandankanan scholarship is provided to one boy and one girl student who secured highest mark in 10th examination from Nandankanan High School. In addition, that, Hon’ble Minister published the names of Zoo Ambassadors for the year 2026. A video on “Nandankanan-a classroom without walls” and a trailer of podcast series of Nandankanan “Guardians of Nandankanan” has been released by guests. The Annual Report for the year 2024-25, three books named “Husbandry Practices and seasonal management of zoo animals”, “Learning beyond exhibits-exploring the educational scope of zoos” & “Management Plan of State Botanical Garden” and Highlights of Nandankanan were released on the august occasion.

In addition, chimpanzee babies, tiger cubs, lion cubs and Himalayan black bear cub named which were finalized through online poll conducted by various social media platforms. The following inaugural items were inaugurated on this auspicious occasion.

North-East Panorama
The newly developed thematic display zone, designed to showcase the rich wildlife diversity of North-East India, comprises ten state-of-the-art enclosures equipped with nature immersing exhibits, feeding cells and back kraals, along with dedicated visitor pathways, RO water kiosk, service roads, and landscaped surroundings. Spread over approximately 5.17 acres, this zone adds 800 metres of additional visitor pathway to the Zoo. The nature-immersive enclosures have been created over 10950 sq. m. (2.7 acre) to house species such as Hog Deer, Pig-tailed Macaque, Stump-tailed Macaque, Assamese Macaque, Hoolock Gibbon, Himalayan Griffon, Manipuri Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Greater Adjutant Stork and Asian Brown Tortoise offering visitors an enriching and educational experience showcasing region’s unique fauna.

Civet Cat Enclosures
A dedicated enclosure avenue has been developed for civet species, featuring two naturalistic enclosures designed to house the Common Palm Civet (180 sq.m) and the Small Indian Civet (303 sq.m). Each enclosure is equipped with back kraals, feeding cells, and enriched habitat elements to promote natural behavior and ensure optimal animal care.

Small Cat Enclosure Complex
A new exhibit complex has been developed to house three small cat species—Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, and Fishing Cat. Spread over 983.5 sq.m., the facility includes three display enclosures with glass-fronted viewing areas, six back kraals, and nine feeding chambers designed to enhance animal welfare and visitor experience.

Horticulture Wing
To achieve self-sufficiency in producing quality plant material for landscape beautification and enclosure enrichment, a horticulture wing has been developed over a 1.6-acre fenced area. The wing includes a polyhouse, netlon house, vermicomposting unit, stockyard, storeroom, and multiple nursery beds. The facility also houses an automatic weather station to record climate parameters. This will fulfil plantation needs in various thematic exhibits in the zoo creating nature emerging exhibits as well as beautiful landscapes for exciting visitor experiences.

Herbivore Quarantine Facility
This facility developed has been developed over a substantial area of 1950 sq. m. which represents a strategic investment in the long-term health and biosecurity of our herbivore collection. With six independent, highly secured enclosures, a dedicated service road, and integrated shelter from the elements, the infrastructure is specifically designed to minimize stress on incoming animals while ensuring their full isolation. This robust design guarantees that every new arrival or animal needing specialized medical attention can undergo thorough observation and acclimatization under optimal conditions, setting a new standard for responsible animal management within our institution.

Reptile Quarantine Facility
This newly established, state-of-the-art facility, spanning an area of 1026 sq. m. significantly elevates our capacity for reptile management and conservation education. It comprises 14 meticulously designed enclosures specifically tailored to provide optimal habitats for the exhibition and quarantine of a diverse collection, including crocodiles, various snake species, turtles, tortoises, and lizards. The infrastructure prioritizes both animal welfare and operational efficiency, featuring an area of 80 sq. m. keeper Room which integrates a vital fawn rearing area, ensuring specialized care for juveniles. This robust and thoughtful development transforms our approach to herpetological care, ensuring thorough observation, specialized rearing, and engaging public display under the highest standards of biosecurity and veterinary.

Enclosures for Otter, Ratel & Sloth Bear
The existing three nos. of bear enclosures has been upgraded to nature immersive enclosures for housing Smooth coated otters, Ratels and Sloth bears. Otters shall be displayed in the enclosure after a gap of 25 years.
The event was adorned by prominent dignitaries who are affiliated with the organization, along with other guests such as representatives from print and electronic media, visitors, local residents, and zoo personnel. Mr. Sanath Kumar N., IFS, Deputy Director of Nandankanan Zoological Park, presented a vote of thanks to everyone who attended the event.