Bhubaneswar: Wildlife enthusiasts in Odisha could soon get the opportunity to see several new and exotic species at Nandankanan Zoological Park, with preparations underway to bring red kangaroos, zebras and eventually African cheetahs to the popular zoo near Bhubaneswar.
The zoo, which currently does not house either red kangaroos or zebras, is working on multiple animal acquisition and infrastructure plans to expand its collection and enhance the visitor experience.
Two Female Red Kangaroos To Join Nandankanan
As part of the proposed expansion, two female red kangaroos are expected to arrive at Nandankanan from the Czech Republic.
According to the information provided, Zájezd Zoo in the Czech Republic has agreed to donate the two animals and has formally communicated its consent to Nandankanan authorities.
Following the consent, the zoo administration approached the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to obtain the necessary permission for bringing the animals to Odisha.
The kangaroos are likely to be transported by air, although the final transportation arrangements will be determined after the required regulatory approvals are secured.
The addition would mark the first time that Nandankanan Zoological Park houses red kangaroos.
Zebras Also Planned For The Zoo
Alongside the kangaroos, Nandankanan is preparing to introduce two pairs of zebras.
Unlike the red kangaroos, the source country for the zebras has not yet been finalised. A private agency based in Hyderabad has been engaged by the zoo to facilitate the process of sourcing the animals from another country.
The agency is expected to identify a suitable source before the acquisition process moves ahead. Transportation arrangements and other modalities for bringing the zebras to Bhubaneswar are also yet to be finalised.
Once introduced, the four zebras would become another major addition to Nandankanan’s wildlife collection.
Cheetah Arrival Remains A Major Attraction
Nandankanan is simultaneously preparing for an even more ambitious addition — African cheetahs.
Zoo officials have earlier indicated plans to bring one male and one female African cheetah to Odisha. Unlike conventional air transportation, the authorities are considering transporting the animals through a trans-oceanic voyage by ship.
The proposal will require necessary clearances from the Central Zoo Authority. Following CZA approval, Nandankanan authorities are expected to approach the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for permission related to the international movement of the animals.
The transportation plan will depend on securing the required regulatory approvals and completing the logistical arrangements necessary for the safe movement of the cheetahs.
Special Viewing Gallery Being Developed
Preparations are not limited to bringing the animals to Odisha. Nandankanan is also developing a specially designed viewing gallery for the proposed cheetah enclosure.
The facility is intended to allow visitors to observe the animals safely while providing a clear view of their movements and behaviour.
A high-quality glass viewing panel, reportedly being imported from Thailand, is also planned for installation at the facility. The transparent barrier is expected to provide visitors with an unobstructed view while maintaining an appropriate safety distance from the animals.
Habitat To Encourage Natural Behaviour
The proposed cheetah habitat is also being planned with an emphasis on creating an environment that allows the animals to display more natural behaviours.
Zoo authorities are considering enriching the enclosure with suitable herbivore species, which could help create a more natural setting and encourage hunting-related instincts and behaviours under controlled zoo-management conditions.
Such habitat enrichment is increasingly used in modern zoological facilities to provide animals with greater behavioural stimulation and improve their overall welfare.
Nandankanan Set For A Diverse Wildlife Expansion
The proposed arrival of red kangaroos, zebras and cheetahs would significantly broaden the range of species available for visitors at Nandankanan.
Red kangaroos are native to Australia, while zebras are associated with the grasslands and savannahs of Africa. Cheetahs, meanwhile, are renowned for their exceptional speed and are widely recognised as the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds of around 120 kmph in short bursts.
If the plans receive the necessary approvals and are completed successfully, visitors could eventually see these three distinctive species at one of Odisha’s most prominent zoological parks.
The developments also reflect Nandankanan’s efforts to diversify its animal collection while investing in specialised facilities and visitor infrastructure to accommodate new species.
