In a controversial turn of events, the Central Zoo Authority has shown its disapproval for the proposed shift of a tigress, captured from Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha, to the Nandankanan Zoological Park. This decision aligns with the National Zoo Policy of 1998 that discourages zoos from acquiring animals directly from the wild. An exception is made only when the animals are needed to kick-start approved breeding programmes or to infuse fresh genes into inbred groups.
About Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan Zoological Park, aptly translating as The Garden of Heaven, is situated close to Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Unlike many other zoos across the country, Nandankanan is unique for being nestled right within a forest environment. This park is also one of the six zoos actively participating in the conservation breeding efforts for the White-backed vulture.
Unique Features of Nandankanan Zoological Park
This park boasts several remarkable achievements and features. To begin with, it stands as the first zoo across the globe to have successfully bred the rare White tiger and Melanistic tiger. A White Tiger, an unusual variety of the Bengal Tiger, owes its white coat to a unique recessive gene. Not a sub-species in itself, a white tiger can only be born if two Bengal tigers possessing this recessive gene are bred together.
On the other hand, a Melanistic Tiger, characterized by black stripes, results purely due to genetic reasons. The increased production of the melanin pigment in the body leads to these black stripes. Melanistic tigers are a rare sight worldwide.
Besides, Nandankanan is renowned as the sole conservation breeding centre for Indian Pangolin globally and the only zoo in India to be an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA). In 1980, Gharials bred here in captivity for the first time anywhere in the world. This park was also the first in India where the endangered Ratel was born in captivity. Moreover, it houses the second largest heronry for Open Billed Storks in Odisha.
Key Facts about Nandankanan Zoological Park
| S.No. | Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | First zoo to breed White Tiger and Melanistic Tiger worldwide |
| 2 | Only conservation breeding centre for Indian Pangolin globally |
| 3 | First zoo where endangered Ratel was born in captivity |
| 4 | Largest heronry for Open Billed Storks in Odisha |
The Role of Central Zoo Authority
The Central Zoo Authority serves as a statutory body with the primary responsibility of implementing minimum standards and norms for the maintenance and health care of animals housed in Indian zoos. It exercises its governing powers according to the directives of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, and the National Zoo Policy, 1992. The establishment of the Central Zoo Authority came about following an amendment to the Wild Life Protection Act in 1991.