Context
Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha, recently introduced music-based therapy for five abandoned baby orangutans to reduce stress and support their well-being.
About Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Location: Located in Barang, Odisha, about 20 km from Bhubaneswar, on the banks of Kanjia Lake.
- Natural Setting: Situated within Chandaka Forest, a moist deciduous forest with semi-evergreen characteristics and includes a botanical garden; part of the surrounding area has been declared a sanctuary.
- International Recognition: First Indian Zoo to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
- Conservation: Known for breeding tigers, leopards, Asiatic lions, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, Indian pangolins, gharials and brow-antlered deer.
- Key Achievements:
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- First zoo in the world to breed melanistic and white tigers.
- The only global conservation-breeding centre for Indian pangolins.
- First Indian Zoo with an open-top leopard enclosure.
- Among the first centres for captive breeding of gharial and Ratel (honey badger).
Transport Link: The Nandankanan Express is named after the zoo.
Significance
- Species Conservation: Contributes to the long-term protection of threatened wildlife through scientific conservation practices.
- Research & Education: Supports wildlife research, conservation education and public awareness.
- Habitat-Based Conservation: Its natural-forest setting helps promote environmentally appropriate animal management.
FAQs
Q1. Where is Nandankanan Zoological Park located?
Ans: It is located at Barang near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on the banks of Kanjia Lake.
Q2. Which forest ecosystem is associated with Nandankanan?
Ans: It is situated within Chandaka Forest, characterised mainly by moist deciduous vegetation with semi-evergreen features.
Q3. What is WAZA?
Ans: World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is an international organisation representing zoos and aquariums involved in wildlife conservation, education and animal welfare.
