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 Nandan
Kanan means '"garden of pleasure", and this combination of zoo,
botanical garden and sanctuary 20 km from Bhubaneswar, in the splendid environs
of the Chandaka Forest, along the rippling waters of the Kanjia lake, fits the
description.
The zoo has created history in many ways. In 1967, a wild female tiger
approached Nandan Kanan, and scaling a high fence, she crept around until she
found the tiger enclosure. She then climbed up a concrete wall, and leapt down
into the enclosure, thus perhaps becoming the only wild animal in
existence who has ever opted to join in a zoo. In commenting on this rare
occasion, the National Geographic magazine pointed out that Orissa must be the
only place in the world with enough sophistication to have a modern, well
designed zoo, and enough tigers to stock it by voluntary membership!
Nandan Kanan also has the distinction of the first captive-breeding center for
gharial crocodiles, a task facilitated by the gift of an adult male by the
Frankfurt Zoo. The zoo has also given a new lease of life to one of the rarest
creatures of the world - the white tiger, with important research and concerted
efforts on to breed them in the natural environs of Nandan Kanan. This regal
animal first came to Nandan Kanan in 1980 when the first litter of white tigers
were born to Deepak and Ganga, two normal tawny tigers. Subsequent litters of
white tigers have been distributed to Zoo's both in India as well as
abroad. Currently Nandan Kanan has one of the largest collections in the world
with over 34 white tigers.
 In
addition to the white tigers, endangered species such as the Asiatic Lion, three
Indian crocodilians, sanghai, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian
pangolin, mouse deer and countless birds, reptiles, and fish have been breeding
successfully here. There is also a successful Black Panther breeding programme.
In all, over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of
birds co-exist in the deeply forested boundaries of Nandan Kanan.
The 34 aquaria, which are home to a large variety of freshwater fish, and the
Reptile park, home to numerous species of crocodiles, lizards, turtles and
snakes, which is guarded by the image of a life sized Tyrannosaurus Rex, are
perpetual crowd-pullers. Safaris for viewing the white tigers and lions in the
natural habitat in specially designed protected buses are added attractions. The
rope-way connecting the Zoo with the Botanical Gardens over the lake, the
boating facilities, the Lion Safari ( a wide stretch of open ground infested
with Lions where the visitors get to see them in their natural habitat) and the
toy train for children have added new feathers to Nandan Kanan's
cap, making it a hot family favourite.
Nandan Kanan, with its Zoo, the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the lake, nature
trails and facilities for amusement, is a definite must for all visitors to
Orissa.
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