Bhubaneswar, August 11: Nandankanan Zoological Park is set to undergo a major transformation as the authorities work to develop it into a world-class zoo, with financial and technical support from both the state and central governments.

The renovation of the zoo, including the construction of new animal enclosures, has entered its final stage. With the required approval already secured from the Central Zoo Authority, the Nandankanan authorities are now preparing to bring in several new animal species.

The list includes zebras, African cheetahs, wildebeests, red kangaroos from Australia and red pandas from the eastern Himalayas. Some of these species are new additions, while others are being brought back to the zoo.

Enclosure construction for several of the animals has already been completed, while work on the remaining facilities is nearing completion. The animals are expected to arrive before Nandankanan’s Foundation Day on December 29.

Following their arrival, the animals will be kept at a quarantine centre for about a month before being shifted to their designated enclosures.

Once the quarantine period is over, visitors will be able to see several exotic animal species at Nandankanan. The zoo authorities are hopeful that the arrival of the new animals, along with the ongoing renovation and upgraded facilities, will attract more tourists and boost visitor numbers.