In addition to the white tigers, endangered species such as the Asiatic Lion, three Indian crocodilians, sanghai, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, mouse deer and countless birds, reptiles, and fish have been breeding successfully here. There is also a successful Black Panther breeding programme. In all, over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds co-exist in the deeply forested boundaries of Nandan Kanan.

The 34 aquaria, which are home to a large variety of freshwater fish, and the Reptile park, home to numerous species of crocodiles, lizards, turtles and snakes, which is guarded by the image of a life sized Tyrannosaurus Rex, are perpetual crowd-pullers. Safaris for viewing the white tigers and lions in the natural habitat in specially designed protected buses are added attractions. The rope-way connecting the Zoo with the Botanical Gardens over the lake, the boating facilities, the Lion Safari ( a wide stretch of open ground infested with Lions where the visitors get to see them in their natural habitat) and the toy train for children have added new feathers to Nandan Kanan's cap, making it a hot family favourite.

Nandan Kanan, with its Zoo, the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the lake, nature trails and facilities for amusement, is a definite must for all visitors to Orissa.