Five Crocodiles Die at Nandankanan Zoo, Cause Under Investigation

Bhubaneswar: In a concerning development, five crocodiles have died at Nandankanan Zoological Park between January 23 and January 30, 2026.

The sudden deaths have raised alarm among wildlife experts and conservationists, given the zoo’s reputation as a leading centre for crocodile conservation and breeding.

Zoo authorities confirmed that post-mortem examinations have been conducted, and detailed reports from veterinary and forensic teams are awaited.

Officials have assured that precautionary measures are being taken to safeguard the remaining crocodiles in the enclosure, whose health is now under close observation.

Nandankanan Zoo has long been recognised for its successful breeding programs of mugger crocodiles and gharials, making this incident a setback for ongoing conservation efforts.

Experts are keen to determine whether the deaths were caused by disease, environmental factors, or other underlying issues.

The zoo management has pledged transparency and swift action once the cause is identified, emphasising its commitment to wildlife protection and conservation.