Spanning 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological Park
is a must for nature lovers. The biggest Zoo in India,
it has over 250 species of animals and birds, most of
which are kept in conditions as close to their natural
habitats as possible. This is the first zoo to create
moated enclosures for animals. The Lion Safari Park, Natural
History Museum and Children's Train are the added attractions.
The Nehru Zoological Park which was declared open to
the public on 6th October 1963 has bred some notable
exotic and indigenous animals and birds like the Indian
Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Tiger, Panther, Giraffe and Gaur
etc., a number of Deer and Antelopes. In fact, animals
bred in the Zoo have been distributed to various Deer
parks and also sanctuaries for restoring the depleted
animals.
The chimpanzee from Central Africa with a large open
enclosure leads the group, followed by the colourful
Mandrill, Orangutan, Sacred, Chacma, Olive and yellow
Baboons (in open islands) Moustache and Sykes Guneon,
Diana, Mona, DeBrazza, Vervet and Manga Monkeys all
from Africa. South America is represented by Squirrel
monkeys and Capuchin. Indian primates include the Rhesus,
Bonnet, Stumptailed, Liontailed and Pig tailed monkeys
Capped Nilgiri, Golden and Common Langurs.
The lions, both African and Indian are exhibited in
this Zoo. It is a treat for the visitors to visit the
only safari park for Indian Lions in Asia, with almost
natural forest setting. The Tigers both white and normal
have their own forest glades. The Panthers (normal&black)
are exhibited in large enclosures with rock cliffs.
Others include the Wolves, Jackals, Foxes and Hyena.
The Weasel group is represented by Ratel and others.
The Bear, are represented by a group of Sloth-bears,
Himalayan black bear in large moated enclosures.
 Leading the group are the herd of Indian Elephants
in a large grassy open enclosure, closely followed by
the rare Great Indian Rhinoceros. Matching these are
the group of Hippopotamus from Africa standing proud
with their young ones. The zebras and the American Bison
occupy a place of honour in the Zoo with their Indian
neighbours, the Gaur and the rare Indian wild Asses.
The exclusively Indian Antelopes. Nilgai Black Buck,
Chousingha and Chinkara have large spacious open enclosures.
The Deer group includes the large Sambar and the beautiful
Cheetal (Spotted Deer), the Barking Deer and Mouse Deer.
The pride possession among the deer is the group of
Manipur or Brow Antler Deer which are almost extinct
in the wild. The rodents are represented by the colourful
Malabar Giant Squirrels, Malayan squirrels, Porcupines,
Rabbits, Guinea pigs etc. The Zoo is successful in breeding
all varieties of deer and are proud to revive and rehabilitate
most of them in the wild.
Tel : 24477355
Timings : 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; closed on Mondays
Photography : Allowed
Entry fee : Adults: Rs.10, children Rs. 5 18 Km from
the Air port, Bahadurpura.
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