Orissa Government Portal

Select Department

Important Links

Home / Odisha Profile / Wild Life


	Page 1 of 2

Wild Life

One of the greatest benefits of Orissa ‘s vast expanses of unspoilt natural landscape has been its ability to offer a protected yet natural habitat to the state’s incredible wildlife.Apart from the Nandankanan Zoo and sanctuary and Similipal National Park, there are atleast eighteen smaller sanctuaries which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna ,bird life reptiles and water creatures.Some of the most important experiments of wildlife conservation are taking place in these natural habitat, giving the tourists an excellent opportunity to see nature’s bounty,propagated in an environment that is as healthy as it is beautiful.

Nandankanan

A short distance from the capital city, Bhubaneswar, the Nandankanan zoo lies in the splendid environs of the Chandaka forest, along the rippling waters of the Kanjia lake.It also contains a botanical garden and part of it has been declared as sanctuary.

Famous for its white tiger population ,Nandankanan or the Garden of Gods has become a hot family favorite ,with visitors getting an excellent opportunity to enjoy seeing these regal animals in their natural glory- in an environment conductive to their growth. Over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds coexist in the deeply forested boundaries.

The zoo enjoys an excellent reputation internationally, forsuccessfully breeding black panthers,gharial crocodiles and white tigers in captivity.

Gharial Breeding

For the first time ever, a captive breeding center was created for gharial crocodiles.This important task was also facilitated by the gift of an adult male from the Frankfurt zoo.

White tiger Breeding

One of the rarest creatures in the world the regal white tiger received a new lease of life with the important research and concerted efforts initiated to try and breed them in the natural environs of Nandankanan.

In 1980 on a day full of excitement and jubiliation the first litter of white tigers were born to Deepak and Ganga, two normal tawny tigers.

Subsiquent litters of white tigers have been distributed to zoos both at home and aboard. Currently Nandankanan is home to over 34 white tigers.

Endangered species such as the Asiatic lion,3 Indian Crocodiles, Shanghai lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur,Indian pangolin, mouse,deer and countless birds, reptiles and fish have been breeding successfully at Nandankanan.

Some of the other attractions of Nandankanan are the 34 aquaria which are home to a large variety of fresh water fishes. The reptile parks cave –like entrance is guarded by a lifesize dinosaur,Inside, numerous species of crocodiles, lizards turtles and snakes share the park with natural ease.

The rope way connecting the zoo with the botanical garden over the lake, the boating facilities and the toy train for children have added new features.

Safaris

The white tiger safari, established in 1991 offers visitors the heady excitement of viewing the rare white tigers from specially designed protected buses.

The lion safari offers an adventurous zing to the trip to Nandankanan.

The Chandaka Elephant Reserve

Only one of its kind it is perfect for ecotourism activities.Apart from the fabulous elephants, Cheetal, Bear, Peafowl, Sambar, and numerous other animals roam about doing their daily business unhampered.


	Page 1 of 2

Top

Feedback

Disclaimer:This is the official web portal of Government of Odisha. Information Technology Department is the nodal department, respective departments are responsible for their information.

Contents published and updated by Luminous Infoways, CSP to State & National Portal

Site designed & maintained by Directorate of IT and CSM Technologies