Bhubaneswar: The Red kangaroo, Australia’s largest and one of its most iconic marsupials, is set to become the latest attraction at Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP), with the species expected to arrive at the zoo soon, a zoo official said Friday.
Known for its powerful leaps and distinctive pouch, the red kangaroo will add to the diversity of wildlife on display at Nandankanan, one of India’s leading zoological parks. Spread across nearly 437 hectares on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan is nestled amid lush forests and water bodies adjoining the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Its natural setting, with extensive forest cover and water bodies, has earned it a reputation as one of the country’s most scenic zoos. Established in 1960 and opened to the public in 1963, Nandankanan has emerged as a major wildlife attraction in Odisha and is known for its diverse collection of animals and birds.
In terms of the variety of wildlife it houses, it is considered one of the country’s leading zoos, second only to Mysuru Zoo in Karnataka. The arrival of the red kangaroo is expected to further enhance the zoo’s international collection and provide visitors with an opportunity to see the distinctive Australian marsupial in a naturalistic setting.
Nandankanan, which literally means ‘Garden of Heaven’, is also known for its conservation and breeding programmes for several endangered species. Its combination of wildlife conservation, captive breeding and natural surroundings has made it a major tourist attraction and an important educational destination in Odisha.
The addition of the red kangaroo is expected to further boost the zoo’s appeal among wildlife enthusiasts and visitors to Bhubaneswar.