The zoo houses the world's first captive-born white tiger population, originating from a litter born to normal-colored Bengal tigers in 1980.
It maintains a specialized rescue center that rehabilitates injured wild animals found within the state of Odisha.
The park is home to one of the largest populations of captive gharials (fish-eating crocodiles) in the world.
It hosts a rare white crocodile exhibit, which is one of the few places in India to feature this mutation.
The Kanjia Lake, located within the zoo, is a designated wetland of national importance under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
The zoo successfully breeds the Indian pangolin, a species that is notoriously difficult to maintain in captivity.
It occupies a unique position as a zoological park situated entirely within a protected wildlife sanctuary.
The park features a specialized 'Reptile Park' that houses numerous species of snakes and turtles native to India.
Nandankanan Zoological Park is globally recognized as the world's first captive breeding center for white tigers. Located within the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, the zoo occupies 437 hectares of forested land surrounding the Kanjia Lake. It serves as a conservation hub, maintaining a high success rate in breeding endangered species like the Indian pangolin and gharial. The facility features a sprawling botanical garden, a lake with boating facilities, and a dedicated nocturnal animal house. The white tiger safari remains the park's primary attraction, showcasing these rare specimens in a large, semi-natural enclosure. It operates as a major research center for wildlife study in eastern India.
The elevated viewing deck overlooking the white tiger safari enclosure.
Bring a hat and high-SPF sunscreen, as much of the walking path is exposed to direct sunlight.
Rent a battery-operated vehicle at the entrance if visiting with children or elderly companions to cover the vast grounds efficiently.
Carry a refillable water bottle as walking through the large, undulating terrain is physically demanding.
Do not attempt to walk the entire perimeter on foot without preparing for extensive sun exposure; many visitors underestimate the park's massive size.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Do not feed the animals, maintain silence near enclosures to avoid distressing wildlife, and refrain from using flash photography in the nocturnal house.
