Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, or more commonly known as Mysore Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Established in the year 1892 by the Royals of Mysore, this Zoological Garden was formed from a part of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar’s summer palace area.
Located on 157 acres (64 hectares), Mysore Zoo is the second most visited place in Mysore after Mysore Palace. It is currently home to 1,450 specimens of animals and birds, consisting of 168 species belonging to more than 25 countries.
Quick Facts about Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
- Timings: All days except Tuesday between 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM.
- Duration of Visit: 2 to 3 hours
- Best time to Visit: Before 11 AM or after 3 PM
- Camera Fee: Still Camera Free – INR 20. Video Camera – INR. 150.
- Official Website: https://www.mysuruzoo.info/
- Address: Near Mysuru Mall, Zoo Road, Indira Nagar, Ittige Gudu, Mysuru-570010 (MAP)
- Phone: +91-821-252-0302
- Battery Operated Vehicle: Rs 150 per adult, Rs 75 for senior citizens, Rs 50 for children 5-12 years.
- Entry Fee:
| Category | Weekdays | Weekends & Public Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Rs 50 | Rs 70 |
| Child (5-12 years) | Rs 20 | Rs 30 |
| Student (5 to 12 years) | Rs 15 | Rs 30 |
| Student (above 12 years) | Rs 25 | Rs 30 |
| Teachers (accompanying 50 students) | Rs 25 | Rs 30 |
History of Mysore Zoo
This century-old Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens has a very interesting history to be proud of. The then Maharaja Chamarajendra was a visionary and wanted to design a wee laid city. he envisioned the city as full of gardens, great landscape and owning a zoo of its own. Initially designed as a private zoo for the Royals, which was named as Khas-Bangale and even Thamash Bangle. General public entry began in 1920.
Mr G.H. Krumbeigal, a German horticulturist and landscaper were appointed to set up the Zoological gardens, which were originally 10 acres in size. The zoo was subsequently expanded to 45 acres in size over the next 10 years, and the work of expansion and landscaping was given to an Australian national called Mr Huge. The administration of the zoo, post-independence, was handed over by the then King to the Department of Parks and Gardens run by the then Mysore State Government.
Karanji Lake, which covers an area of 77.02 acres, is also a part of the zoo. This lake was taken over by the zoo in the year 1976.
The Planning
Meticulous planning is the special feature of Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, where all the species of animals live in their natural habitat without any cages or barricades. The Zoological Gardens is designed on modern lines, and enclosures for animals are provided using moats.
Maharaja Chamarajendra personally selected the animals from various countries of Europe and Africa. He brought animals like Primates, Antelopes, chimpanzees, giraffes, orangutans, Orangutans, and Bears. He also brought rare exhibits like American Bison, Polar Bear, Californian Sea Horse, White Elephant, Penguin and Kangaroo and successfully exhibited them.
Mission and Objective
- Educate people about the importance of conservation
- Breeding of endangered species
- Research, documentation, and study
- Inspire people to conserve, save and appreciate wildlife
- Rehabilitate and rescue birds and animals
Animals and Birds at Mysore Zoo
The Zoological Gardens is proud to have a collection of big cats like Cheetah, Jaguar, Tiger, Lion and small cats like Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Common Palm Civet and Small Indian Civet. It is the only zoo in India to exhibit a Gorilla. Other Primates include Baboon, Capuchin Monkey, and Marmoset, a variety of lemurs, chimpanzee, and common Indian Langur.
The Zoological Garden is also home to large mammals like Elephants belonging to both the Asiatic and African regions, Black and White African rhinos, gaur, and Hippopotamus.
The Zoological Gardens is also proud to house flightless birds such as the Emu, Rhea, Ostrich, and Cassowary. There is also a huge collection of Terrestrial birds, aquatic birds, deer, antelopes, ducks, and reptiles.
Major Attractions of Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
A massive aviary is built in the Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens. A bridge is built in the centre of the aviary, allowing visitors to walk across it and watch the birds closely. Painted Stork, Pelican, Blue and White Peacocks, colourful Flamingoes, Cranes, etc. can be seen in this aviary very easily.
Apart from exhibiting animals, the Zoological Gardens also has an aquarium and a museum. The Mysore Zoo museum exhibits stuffed animals. The Zoological Gardens also has a library and a veterinary hospital. Mysore Zoo regularly organises essay and painting competitions to create love and awareness towards amongst children.
Animal Adoption Program at Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
The zoo is involved in wildlife conservation programs, such as captive breeding of endangered species. Running these programs successfully requires regular financial support. To fund this, the Zoological Gardens has launched an animal adoption program through which the general public can adopt an animal for a full year. Under this program, one can contribute to the feeding expenses for the animal of their choice.
The adopter will have a few privileges, such as publicity in leading newspapers, complimentary entry to the Mysore Zoo, and a Certificate of Adoption. This innovative idea is launched to inspire people, generate sympathy for animals, and promote wildlife conservation.