The entrance to Nandankanan

Bhubaneswar, April 25: New animals and rides play magic as tourists are pouring in and money raining in the Nandankanan Zoological Park.

Nandankanan — the pride of the capital — witnessed a record footfall and revenue generation during 2011-12.

According to the data available with the authorities, as many as 24,69,000 persons visited the zoo between April 2011 and March 2012. This footfall is 68,000 higher compared to that of 2010-11. The zoo has also generated a whopping sum of Rs 57,50,27,103 as revenue during last financial year.

The Nandankanan authorities attributed the increase in footfall and revenue generation to availability of various kinds of animals along with introduction of recreation facilities such as boating, animal safari, and toy train.

“Over the years, the number of animal species has increased here. We have procured some very rare species,” said zoo director Sudarshan Panda.

At present, the zoo has 1,973 animals of 121 species, which includes 55 species of bird, 42 species of mammal and 24 species of reptiles.

In 2012, the New Year alone witnessed a record-setting footfall of more than 50,000 visitors. There has also been an increase in the visit of foreign tourists. During 2010-11, some 1,279 foreigners had visited the park, which has increased to 1,391 in 2011-12. The revenue generated from the park’s botanical garden has also risen to Rs 13,04,990 during 2011-12 from Rs 12,63,700 of the previous year.

The zoo, which became popular after breeding white tigers, also has plans to open a bear safari along with the existing tiger and lion safaris.

A herbivore safari, where three deer species — barking deer, spotted deer and sambar — is also expected come up soon along with some interpretation centres.

“People will soon be able to experience the wildlife here with more convenience and among better facilities,” said a senior official of the zoo.

On March 30, 2012, the zoo authorities had introduced an electronic entry system to keep a tab on visitors entering into the zoo and for an increased and more transparent revenue collection.

Visitors, however, expressed their dissatisfaction as the ropeway service, once a highly sought-after ride in the zoo, has been lying dysfunctional for long. “When I visited the zoo recently, I was told that the service was no more working. The zoo authorities must resume the service for the people,” said Anuradha Pati, a visitor from Bhadrak.