Five Crocodiles Die at Nandankanan Zoo in Eight Days, Cause Under Investigation

Bhubaneswar: Authorities at Nandankanan Zoological Park have reported the deaths of five crocodiles over an eight-day span between January 23 and January 30, 2026, raising concern among wildlife enthusiasts and zoo officials.

The exact cause of the deaths is yet to be determined. Park authorities have conducted post-mortem examinations on the deceased reptiles, and veterinary as well as forensic reports are awaited to ascertain the underlying reasons.

Zoo officials said they are maintaining close surveillance on the health of the remaining crocodiles in the enclosure as a precautionary measure. Additional monitoring and preventive steps have been put in place to ensure the safety of other animals.

Nandankanan Zoological Park is widely known for its successful conservation breeding programmes, including those for crocodilian species. The zoo houses a notable population of reptiles such as mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) and gharials.

The park has long played an active role in national crocodile conservation initiatives, making the recent deaths a matter of serious attention for wildlife authorities.