Delhi Zoo, Chidiya Ghar, National Zoological Park

National Zoological Park, Delhi Overview

Inaugurated in 1959, National Zoological Park also known as Chidiya Ghar is situated near The Old Fort in Delhi and is a favourite weekend spot among adults and children alike. National Zoological Park is well maintained and is largely visited by tourists. It has canteens inside for the visitors and battery-operated vehicles at very reasonable prices which you could use if exhausted. But the real fun is in exploring the place on your feet. Visit this destination to reignite your curiosity in our furry friends!

From biggest cats to the tiniest birds, the zoo has all kinds of animals and birds. Initially, it was known as Delhi Zoo when in 1982 it was renamed The National Zoological Park with the idea of making it the model zoo of the country.

At the Zoological Park, birds and animals live in an environment that in many ways resemble their natural habitat. The zoo not only provides a home for endangered species but also helps them to breed in captivity. It also holds Conservation Breeding Programmes for Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Brow Antlered Deer, Swamp Deer, Indian rhinoceros and red jungle fowl. Eventually, they may once again thrive in the wild.

History of Zoo in Delhi

The Park was formally inaugurated on 1st November 1959 by Mr Punjab Rao Deshmukh, Hon'ble Minister of the Government of India and was initially known as Delhi Zoo. In the year 1982, it was given the status of the National Zoological Park with the idea of it being the model zoo of the country. The Indian Board for Wildlife felt the need to have a zoo in the national capital of the country to provide recreation to people at large. Accordingly, an ad-hoc committee of some prominent nature lovers of Delhi, including Indira Gandhi, was constituted under the Chairmanship of Chief Commissioner to formulate a proposal for the establishment of Zoological Park for Delhi.

Animals in Delhi's Chidiya Ghar

As you enter the National Zoological Park, several fascinating creatures welcome you to their ways of life. Hippopotamus, Chimpanzee, Spider monkey, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Brow Antlered Deer, Swamp Deer, Blackbuck, White buck, leopard, Chinkara, Deer Brow, Hoolock Gibbon, Lion Tailed Macaque, One-horned rhinoceros, Himalayan black bear, Indian Porcupine, jaguar, wild boar, Indian rhinoceros and zebra are found here among others.

A number of birds such as Great Indian Hornbill, peafowl, storks spoonbill and eagles can be found here as well. The centre of the zoo has an underground reptile house which has different reptiles such as Indian star tortoise, Indian rock python, common rat snake, Indian cobra, Diadem snake and Indian sand boa is present here as well. By 2008 it had 1347 animals and 127 species.

Tips For Visiting National Zoological Park

1. Do not feed the animals as overfeeding spoils their health.
2. Do not tease the animals or cross the barriers. You can get seriously injured.
3. Do not pluck the trees, flowers or damage the lawns.
4. Do not play radio, tape recorder or musical instruments as animals do not like to be disturbed.
5. Do not bring packets or polythene in the park.

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National Zoological Park Reviews

Your rating

Ramesh Pandey IFS

on Delhi Zoo 4 years ago

Spread in about 200 acres area, this facility is beautiful green space for the visitors. Apart from having around hundred species in its captivity the Zoo also gives opportunity to sight free ranging (Read More) birds specially nesting and breeding of Painted Storks (August-March). A great place having legacy of wildlife conservation for more than 60 years.