on peak of popularity

With more footfall, authorities plan to improve amenities of the zoo. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, April 8: The Nandankanan Zoological Park has hit the popularity chart.

A whopping number of 24-lakh visitors flocked to the zoo in 2010, thus breaking all previous records.

“Nandankanan is becoming more popular with each passing year. The footfall this year has been over 24 lakh, up by almost two lakh as compared to last year,” said Siba Narayan Mohapatra, deputy director of the zoological park.

This has ensured an all-time high revenue collection of Rs 4.76 crore.

While the number of visitors in 2009-10 were about 21 lakh and revenue generated was Rs 3.61 crore, in 2008 the number of visitors were 18 lakh with a revenue collection of Rs 2.15 crore.

With more people hitting the park, the authorities have decided to augment the amenities at the zoo. While ambitious animal exchange programmes are in the pipeline, the zoo is also planning to add to its exhibit value.

“Keeping the rising popularity of the animal park in mind, priority would be given to augment visitors’ amenities,” said Mohapatra.

Plans are afoot for reconstruction and renovation of the enclosures and construction at the lion safari. Similarly, special enclosures and work at the breeding centre of vultures are on the cards.

Special care is being taken to develop the lawns and green meadows. A six-acre meadow was recently developed at a centrally located place for the visitors. Similarly, more number of sit-outs, trash cans and toilets have been proposed.

New safe drinking water kiosks are being planned to provide cool filtered water at strategic locations for the tourists. To augment the amenities for the zoo inmates, a chlorination plant has been installed. This supplies safe drinking water to captive birds and animals.

The tiger safari is one of the favourite activities of the tourists at Nandankanan and watching the animals in their natural habitat adds to the delight of the visitors. The zoo also offer boating facilities in the Kanjia lake. Riding on the toy train is also a hit among tourists at the park.

“Nandankanan is one of my favourite places. I love the chimps, macaws and the tigers. The elephant ride is also awesome,” said Shraddha, a visitor.

“The enclosures are well maintained. Also the greenery is soothing,” said Ranjan Behara, another visitor.

The zoo has tied up with the Orissa tourism department for support to develop some of its facilities.