Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar is gearing up for an exciting expansion of its animal collection, with several rare and iconic species from different continents set to arrive soon.
As per reports, the Red Kangaroo, Australia’s largest and most recognisable marsupial, will be among the new attractions, housed in a specially designed enclosure named ‘Australian Adventure’. Known for its powerful leaps, distinctive pouch, strong hind legs and long tail, the Red Kangaroo naturally inhabits the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. Zoo authorities confirmed that a special enclosure has already been prepared for the animal.
Taking to its official X handle, Nandankanan Zoological Park announced: “The Red Kangaroo, Australia’s largest and most iconic marsupial, is set to arrive at Nandankanan. Known for its powerful leaps and unique pouch, this fascinating species will soon be a new attraction at the zoo.”
It is learnt that an agreement was signed by the government with an agency on August 1 to facilitate the transport of the Red Kangaroo, along with Cheetahs and African Zebras, to the park from other states and abroad. Special enclosures have also been constructed for the Cheetahs and African Zebras.
The cheetah, which was declared extinct in India in 1952, has been the focus of Project Cheetah since 2022, when animals were brought from Namibia, followed by subsequent arrivals from South Africa and Botswana.
In addition to these species, the zoo is also set to welcome the Blue Wildebeest, famous for its role in Africa’s legendary migrations. Authorities posted: “Famous for Africa’s legendary migrations, the Blue Wildebeest is heading to Nandankanan! A brand-new species arrives, bringing a whole new story and a touch of the African wilderness to Odisha.”
Further enhancing the park’s diversity, the Red Panda, an Eastern Himalayan mammal known for its reddish-brown coat, bushy tail and gentle nature, is also scheduled to arrive.
Taking to X, zoo authorities shared: “Red Panda, an Eastern Himalayan mammal, is set to arrive at Nandankanan. Known for its reddish-brown coat, bushy tail & gentle nature, it will soon add a new attraction to the zoo.”
With these additions spanning Australian, African and Himalayan wildlife, Nandankanan is poised to offer visitors a richer and more diverse experience of global fauna in the heart of Odisha.
