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Mysore Zoo

The Mysore Zoo, located in the state of Karnataka, is one of the most ancient zoos in the world as it was set up during the 18th century, exactly during 1892. Mysore Zoo is the common name that we all know the place as. Formally, this place is known as Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens and is set up on a sprawling area of 157 acres. There are around 168 species of rare animals and birds here in this historic and prominent zoo.

The funds for operating the zoo comes from the entry fee collected from the tourists. During the early 20th century, this zoo developed an adoption scheme where many businessmen, film celebrities, famous personalities and other animal lovers made immense contribution towards the development of the zoo.

History

When the Mysore Zoo was set up in 1892, it was established over an area of 10 acres inside the premise of Maharaja Shri Chamarajendra Wodeyar’s summer palace. Palace Zoo was the name given to this zoo in the earlier days. A horticulturist and landscaper by profession from Germany, GH Krumbeigal, was the initial designer of this zoo. Another 45 acres were added to the area of the zoo in the next decade and even today, there are lots of special within the zoo premise.

During 1902, this zoo was opened to the general public. During 1948, the Parks and Garden Department of the State Government of Mysore took over control of the zoo. The area of the zoo was developed in two main phases of 50 acres and 150 acres respectively. Gradually, the administration department of the Mysore Zoo took control of the Karanji Tank, which is also known as the Karanji Reservoir. Eventually, an artificial lake was created inside the zoo and that is currently used as a bird sanctuary.

The Forest Department took over ownership of the zoo in 1972. During 1979, control and administration of the zoo was handed over to Karnataka’s Zoo Authority. This was the first self-governing body in the country to own a zoo.

The centenary celebrations of the Mysore Zoo were held during 1991-92. The occasion of the zoo completing hundred years was marked by various events like developmental activities like remodeling the gate at the entrance, reconstructing the building of the hospital and walk through around the reptiles’ area. It was during this celebration that Shri Chamarajendra Wodeyar’s bust was revealed. Other major events that happened during these celebrations were the inauguration of the Centenary Zoo, the zoo’s logo, various competitions, leaflets and brochures, a documentary film and many more.

Buildings of Mysore Zoo

There are quite a few buildings inside the Mysore Zoo that are over a hundred years old. These are known as Heritage Buildings. Some of the significant heritage buildings found inside the zoo is:

Museum Building

This is the building found near the main entrance of the gate. Popularly known as the Museum Building, this place is known for its amazing collection of trophies made of stuffed animals.

A rule came into force that only live animals were supposed to be displayed. Due to this, all the stuffed animal trophies of this museum were handed over to Natural History’s Regional Museum, colleges, schools and other government agencies. Old trophies were discarded.

Currently, this building houses the offices of Karnataka Zoo Authority’s Chairman, Karnataka Zoo Authority’s Member Secretary and Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden’s Forest Conservator and Executive Director. There is a huge conference hall in the building towards the east, on the first floor, for holding meetings.

Aquatic Birds Enclosure

The enclosure where aquatic birds are located is designed in such a way to house species like Black Swan, Finches and Parakeets. This place is also known as the Bird Breeding Centre because all breeding birds are found here.

Band Stand

The Band Stand which is located inside the zoo is one of the major tourist attractions inside the zoo. This is a huge open ground where visitors coming to the zoo are can witness famous bands and musicians perform during Sundays and public holidays. Of late, no performances are conducted here, but the place has been re-modelled beautifully with parks and walkways.  The seats and roofs of this place are still waiting for some remodeling.

Main Tiger House

This is one of the oldest enclosures of the zoo as it was set up during 1892 itself when Shri Chamarajendra Wodeyar ruled over this place. He was also the person who set up the Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens. It is one of the biggest and oldest of India with around 9 holding rooms. Tigers feel absolutely safe and comfortable in these huge rooms that have high walls. There are also two big cave partitions here. A big open moat is where tigers are regularly sighted freely.

Old Chimpanzee Enclosure

This particular area in the zoo is the place where Chimpanzees were stored in the initial years. Currently lorikeets are stored and bred here.

Safety & Security

Tourists visiting the Mysore Zoo can be fully assured of their safety as protection of tourists and protection of the assets of the zoo and Karanji Lake Nature Park are entirely the responsibility of the safety unit of the Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens. Previous employees of fire service department and other private institutions are recruited in the safety unit of the zoo.

Security agents have been recruited to provide security services to the zoo, from private agencies in the last decade or so. Currently 28 ex-servicemen from the fire department are providing security services to the zoo and the Karanji Lake Nature Park. In addition to this, a private agency, M/s. Sharp Watch Investigation Security Services Private Limited has appointed over 36 guards in the zoo, including lady guards. These guards look after the safety of tourists and collection of entry fee.

No plastic in the Zoo – The area of the zoo is declared as plastic free. Security guards appointed at the entrance gate check all the plastic items brought by tourists and do a screening of the covers, to maintain the cleanliness of the zoo. The plastic covers that tourists carry to the zoo for storing their eatables and other items are collected by these guards and in place of them, recycled and paper bags are given to the tourists. The plastic covers are then cleanly disposed of.

Safety of Animals – Security guards – both ex-servicemen and private guards undertake full vigil at the animal enclosures to ensure that the animals are fully protected from acts of the tourists like vandalism, feeding, disturbance etc. If a tourist is found flouting the rules of the zoo, then the guards can impose fine on him or her.

Finding Articles that are Lost – The security guards are given enough training on how to return an article that has been lost by the tourists, within the premise of the zoo or the Karanji Lake nature park.

Parking – If tourists have any issues to get parking facilities at the zoo, the security guards help them to get their parking tickets. They organize the parking efficiently, so that all drivers find enough space to park their vehicles at the right slots. Also these guards keep a record on the cars that are moving out as well.

Fire Protection – The security guards are fully responsible for preventing the premises of the zoo and the nature park, from all sorts of fire accidents. These guards are fully trained to handle all kinds of emergencies. They know to operate the extinguishers are thoroughly prepared to handle any kind of crisis situation, because of their training.

Tariffs & Timings

Timings

Weekday  Zoo Visiting Hours
Monday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Tariffs

http://mysorezoo.info/mysore-zoo-timings/tariff-of-zoo/

e-ticket

  • Once you purchase an e-ticket, you can visit the Mysore Zoo for one single time within the validity period mentioned in the ticket.
  • Once tickets are purchased, no refund or cancellation can be done. Schedules cannot be revised or credits cannot be requested for other sites.
  • Validity:
    • Journey to the Mysore Zoo must happen within 7 days of the date of purchase of e-ticket.
    • Requests for changes in schedule will not be entertained once tickets are confirmed.
    • Tickets cannot be cancelled and refunds cannot be requested for in this case.
  • Tourists coming to the park are treated to a wide range of facilities like battery powered vehicles, storage cases for luggage and parking facilities. It is not necessary for tourists to book them in advance. It can be booked once you enter the zoo.
  • The tourist on whose name the ticket is purchased should furnish ID proof while showing the ticket at the entrance. This proof should be a valid document like driving license, PAN card, Voter ID, passport etc. If tourists don’t give proper ID proof today, they might not be allowed to enter the zoo premises.
  • The zoo will not be responsible if tourists face any loss or liability when a transaction is declined when tourists exceed their maximum capacity of their cards.
  • Tourists can reach out to the zoo authorities at any time of the day at the customer care number +91 (0) 821 244-0752.
  • Tourists must bring a couple of copies of e-ticket while coming to the zoo.

Best Time to Visit

Tourists who mostly visit the zoo from 11 AM to 3 PM during the day do not get any chance to spot the wild animals. This is because, during this time of the day, it is very hot and animals feel uncomfortable to roam around in open enclosures. If tourists are interested to spot animals, they should visit the zoo either before 11 AM or after 3 PM. To spot birds, early morning is the active time and to spot mammals, tourists must visit after 3 PM.

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