Zoos are primarily dry facilities where animals are confined within enclosures and displayed to the public, and in which they may also be bred. Such facilities include zoos, safari parks, animal theme parks, aviaries, butterfly zoos, and reptile centres, as well as wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves where visitors are allowed.
The oldest zoo in India is theMarble Palace Zoo, Kolkata. The zoo and park were opened in 1854.
As of August 2023, there are 155 Zoos recognised by the Central Zoo Authority under section 38-H of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in the country. The State/UT-wise number of the recognised zoos in the country is enclosed in Annexure-I.
The State/UT-wise number of zoos for which prior permission for establishment has been accorded by the Central Zoo Authority under section 38H(1-A)of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, during the last five years is placed as Annexure-II.
The Central Zoo Authority has instituted systematic assessment of zoo through the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) for zoos to identify gaps and design strategies to improve zoo management, conservation, education and animal welfare. The MEE-Zoo is conducted every four years. The first phase was conducted in 2021, which covered 39 zoos (16 large category zoos and 23 medium category zoos).
Nandankanan, literally meaning The Garden of Heaven, is located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Unlike other zoos in the country, Nandankanan is built right inside the forest and set in a completely natural environment.
Nandankanan is among the six participating zoos for the conservation breeding of White-backed vulture.
Few Unique Features of the Nandankanan Zoological Park
First zoo in the World to breed the White tiger and Melanistic tiger.
White Tiger is a rare form of Bengal Tiger with a unique (recessive) gene which gives it a white color. A white tiger is not a sub-species of the tiger. White tigers are born only when two Bengal tigers that possess a recessive gene (gene that affects the coat color) are bred together.
Melanistic Tigers are black striped tigers which are born purely due to genetic reasons. Increased development of melanin pigment in the body causes black stripes. Melanistic tigers are rarely found in the world.
Only conservation breeding centre of Indian Pangolin in the world.
Only zoological park in India to become an institutional member of World Association of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA).
Gharials have bred for the first time in captivity in the world at Nandankanan Zoological Park in 1980.
The first zoo in India where endangered Ratel was born in captivity.
The second largest heronry for Open Billed Storks in Odisha.
