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Mysore
Zoo or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens as it is popularly known as
was established in the year 1892 in
Mysore, by the
then Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar. Initially known as 'Khasa Bangle' or
'private bungalow', the zoo, one of the biggest of its kind in the country
housed different species of birds in about 10 acres. Later, the then
British Officer, Karumbeigal shifted the Zoo to Mysore to the premises of
Mysore Zoo.
The Zoohas been further extended to cover the adjacent Karanji Lake. The
lake attracts several species of birds and the Zoo has plans to develop
the lake into a bird sanctuary. Among the primary activities of the zoo
besides breeding rare animals, is to barter animals, and bringing in new
animals.
The Flourishing Flora
The zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity, and exotic species of
plants. The Zoological Gardens has various species of ornamental plants
and trees from India and abroad. About 85 species of trees and 35 species
of ornamental plants are present, which beautifies the landscape of the
Zoo and provides the best environment to the captive wild animals.
The Exotic Fauna
The Zoo has to its credit breeding of rare animals and largest mammals in
captivity. This unique feature is said to be present only in a few of the
reputed zoological gardens in southeast Asia, Mysore being one among them.
About two million visitors, from within the country and abroad, visit the
famous Mysore Zoo every year. The Mysore Zoo has a record of housing
variety of species not only of this country but also from more than 40
countries in the world.
The Zoo has recorded the birth of important species like tigers, Barberry
sheep, Royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, elephants, giraffe, fallow deer,
Himalayan black bear, Guar (Indian bison) and white peafowl. The Mysore
Zoo is the fourth in the world to hand-rare two giraffe calves
successfully and a record first experience among the Indian zoological
gardens.
Managed by the Zoo Authority of Karnataka, the Zoo has a good health care
management and a well-equipped hospital with darting equipment to
chemically restrain wild animals and to provide medical aid. It has
experienced doctors from the animal husbandry, to take regular care of the
health of the animals.
Timings: All days except Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Entrance Fee:
Adults: Rs.10, Children: Rs.5.