5 Best Zoo To Explore In India

There was a time that the lions or the antlered deer were endangered species and were rare to be found. They feared extinction, but thanks to the captive breeding programs of the various zoo in India that these animals have been bred successfully and brought out of the danger of extinction. Besides, in this modern world of the concrete jungle, these zoological parks are the only space in the city that is covered with lush green and features these natural habitats in their utmost grandeur for display. Explore the 5 best zoos in India right here.

* Nandankanan Zoological Park

Spread in an area of 437-hectares, the Nandankanan Zoological Park is a botanical garden cum zoo located in Bhubaneshwar. Established in 1960, the zoo was opened for public in the year 1979. It is the first Indian zoo that joined the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2009. The zoo is located in the environs of the Chandaka forest and includes the 54 hectares of Kanjia Lake. It is the only zoo in India that breeds white tigers.Other endangered species like the Asiatic lion, Sangal Lion-tailed macaque, Indian crocodiles, NilgiriLangur, mouse deer, Indian pangolin and countless birds and reptiles are successfully bred at Nandankanan Zoo.

* Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens or the Mysore Zoo as it is popularly known as one of the oldest zoos in India. Spread in an area of 157 acres, this zoo is one of the most famous zoos in India. Originally the Mysore Zoo was created on an area of 10 acres in the palace of Maharaja Chamaraja which was gradually expanded and later on handed over to the Mysore State Government for management in the year 1948. The zoo was taken care of by the Department of Parks and Gardens of the Mysore State Government in the year 1948. This Zoo has had more elephants than any other Zoo in India.

* National Zoological Park

Spread on an area of 71 hectares (176 acres), the National Zoological Park located near the old fort in Delhi is a big zoo in India. This zoo is home to more than 130-species of birds and animals from around the world. The Zoo was in the news in 2014, after a man called Maqsood had fallen inside the tiger’s moat accidentally and killed raising questions about the visitor’s safety at the zoo. The Zoo is a sprawling green island amidst the burgeoning urban Delhi. The 16th -Century Citadel is located in the Zoo is one of the major attractions in the zoo.

* Arignar Anna Zoological Park

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park, famously known as the Vandalur Zoo is a zoo located in the southwest part of Chennai. The Zoo is at a drive of 15kms from the Chennai Airport and about 31kms from Chennai Central. This zoo has the credit of being the first zoo in India. Established in 1855 it is the oldest zoo in India. The Vandalur zoo is the largest zoo in India. The first all India Zoo Superintendents Conference was held here back in 1955.

* Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden

Spread on an area of 200-hectares, the Sakkarbaug Zoo was established by the Babi Nawabs of Junagadh in 1863. This Zoo is home to more than 40 Asiatic Lions and Lionesses. It also features a National History Museum that houses the skeletons of two giant Asiatic Lions along with that of a panther, deer, boar, blackbuck, and antelope amongst others. In 2009, The Sakkarbaug Zoo of Junagadh became the only Zoo in India to feature African Cheetahs. Two pair of cheetahs were received by the zoo from the Singapore Zoo by trading its 3 Asiatic lions. They also received Indian Gaur, marmosets, green pheasants, and Malabar giant squirrels from the Mysore Zoo in exchange of a pair of Asiatic Lions.