Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park, one of India’s most popular wildlife attractions, has achieved an all-time high in visitor footfall and revenue generation during the financial year 2024-25. According to official data, the zoo and its adjoining State Botanical Garden collectively recorded a historic 39,52,097 visitors, generating an impressive ₹25.37 crore in revenue from multiple sources.
This milestone underscores Nandankanan’s growing appeal as a premier eco-tourism and wildlife conservation destination in Odisha.
🏛 Visitor Statistics: A New Milestone
The record-breaking 39.52 lakh visitors included:
- Nandankanan Zoological Park: 37,71,980 visitors
- State Botanical Garden: 1,80,117 visitors
- Demographic Breakdown:
- Adults: 32,32,126
- Children: 7,19,178
- Foreign Nationals: 793
The substantial rise in visitor numbers reflects the increasing interest in wildlife tourism and environmental awareness among the public.
💰 Revenue Breakdown: How Nandankanan Earned ₹25.37 Crore
The massive revenue of ₹25.37 crore came from multiple sources:
- ✔️ ₹16.35 crore – Entry fees, parking charges, and camera fees 📸
- ✔️ ₹5.87 crore – Outsourced facilities 🏕️
- ✔️ ₹3.15 crore – “Adopt an Animal” programme 🐯
This record revenue marks a significant financial boost for Nandankanan, ensuring sustainable funding for wildlife conservation, facility upgrades, and visitor amenities.
🦁 Factors Behind Nandankanan’s Success
Zoo authorities attribute this remarkable achievement to several key initiatives, including:
- 🔹 Enhanced Infrastructure: Improved visitor pathways, modern enclosures, and better facilities.
- 🔹 Conservation Efforts: Increased focus on breeding programs and wildlife rehabilitation.
- 🔹 Visitor Engagement: Educational tours, animal adoption initiatives, and interactive experiences.
- 🔹 Eco-Tourism Promotion: Odisha government’s efforts to boost wildlife and nature tourism.
These efforts have transformed Nandankanan into a model zoo, drawing both domestic and international tourists.
🌱 Future Plans: Sustaining Growth & Enhancing Visitor Experience
Encouraged by the success of 2024-25, authorities are now focusing on:
- ✅ Expanding animal adoption programs to strengthen conservation funding.
- ✅ Developing new attractions, including additional safari experiences and nature trails.
- ✅ Introducing digital ticketing and guided virtual tours for a seamless visitor experience.
- ✅ Strengthening eco-friendly initiatives to reduce the zoo’s carbon footprint.
Officials remain optimistic about sustaining the momentum and making Nandankanan an even bigger hub for wildlife lovers and conservation enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The record-breaking visitor turnout and revenue generation at Nandankanan Zoological Park in 2024-25 reaffirm its status as one of India’s top wildlife attractions. The park’s strong commitment to conservation, visitor engagement, and eco-tourism has played a crucial role in its success.
As Odisha continues to promote sustainable tourism, Nandankanan is set to become an even more significant destination for nature lovers, researchers, and tourists in the coming years.