Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar is preparing for a major addition to its wildlife collection, with four African cheetahs set to be brought to the zoo. The proposed acquisition includes two male and two female cheetahs and would mark the first time the species is being brought to Odisha.
The development follows preparations already undertaken at Nandankanan for housing the animals. The zoo has been working on a dedicated cheetah enclosure as part of its efforts to expand its animal collection and strengthen its conservation and visitor experience.
According to a June 2026 report, the four cheetahs are being sourced from Induna Primate and Parrot Park in South Africa’s North West province. The animals are planned to be transported to Odisha by ship rather than by dedicated cargo aircraft, with officials citing cost considerations.
Nandankanan cheetahs: Four animals planned
The planned group consists of two males and two females. According to the reported arrangement, the animals will be placed on exhibit at Nandankanan after their arrival and related procedures are completed.
The cheetah project is not a completely new proposal for Nandankanan. Earlier plans to source cheetahs from Dubai Zoo were scrapped in 2025 after the Dubai institution withdrew from the project amid pending clearances and paperwork. Nandankanan subsequently explored alternative options.
The current plan represents a fresh effort to bring the species to Odisha.
Dedicated enclosure prepared at Nandankanan
Nandankanan’s preparations have included the development of a dedicated cheetah enclosure. The zoo’s official tender records show that work related to the construction of a cheetah enclosure and associated facilities was initiated through the tender process.
The zoo is known for maintaining large and naturalistic enclosures and has a long history of captive breeding and wildlife conservation. Its official website says Nandankanan has 210 enclosures and highlights its work with species including gharials, white tigers, Indian pangolins and other wildlife.
Nandankanan’s conservation role is also reflected in its mission, which focuses on captive animal welfare, healthcare, conservation breeding, research and environmental education.
A new attraction for Bhubaneswar
The arrival of African cheetahs would add another major attraction to one of Odisha’s best-known zoological parks. Nandankanan, located near Bhubaneswar, is already widely recognised for its white tiger population and safari facilities.
Odisha Tourism describes the zoo as being located about 15 km from Bhubaneswar and notes its setting within a natural forest environment. The tourism department also highlights Nandankanan’s history of conservation and its various wildlife attractions.
The proposed cheetah addition could therefore bring a new species into the spotlight while complementing Nandankanan’s existing conservation and educational activities.
What about the proposed red kangaroos?
The supplied news information also mentions plans involving Australian red kangaroos. However, publicly available sources reviewed for this report did not provide sufficiently recent and specific confirmation of a current Nandankanan acquisition plan for red kangaroos.
For that reason, details about the kangaroos have not been presented as a confirmed development in this article. This distinction is important when reporting on proposed animal exchanges or international transfers, which can require multiple approvals and documentation.
The cheetah plan itself has been publicly reported, including the proposed number, sex composition, source institution and transportation arrangement.
For visitors and wildlife enthusiasts, the proposed arrival of the four African animals could make Nandankanan an even more distinctive destination. If the plan proceeds as reported, the Nandankanan cheetahs would represent a significant new addition to Odisha’s zoological landscape.
