Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park on Saturday received a major boost with the arrival of 58 exotic animals belonging to 14 species. With the latest additions, Nandankanan now houses 188 species.According to the zoo authorities, the new animals comprise 4 zebras, 4 kangaroos, 6 Bennett’s wallabies, 4 ring-tailed lemurs, 4 tufted capuchins, 6 meerkats, 2 cassowaries, 4 blue wildebeests and 24 birds from 6 exotic species, including scarlet macaws, blue-and-gold macaws, green-winged macaws, sulphur-crested cockatoos, crowned cranes and scarlet ibises.The animals have been donated by Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), Gujarat. All animals have been placed under mandatory quarantine for health assessment and acclimatisation before being introduced in their designated enclosures.Zoo officials said the facility has gained 10 new species, while one existing species has received a breeding pair, and 3 species have been strengthened through fresh bloodline infusion further enriching its biodiversity profile.Officials said the new animals are expected to enhance the zoo’s conservation education initiatives by exposing visitors to wildlife from different geographical regions and helping them understand ecological adaptations and importance of biodiversity conservation.The arrival of the exotic species is also expected to increase visitor interest, particularly among children and wildlife enthusiasts. Nandankanan authorities said all the animals would be managed under the zoo’s established animal care, veterinary and scientific husbandry protocols, with special emphasis on welfare, nutrition and long-term health monitoring. After completing quarantine procedures and veterinary examinations, the animals will gradually be put in the exhibit enclosure.