Zoo In India

Jhargram Zoo, West Bengal

Jhargram Zoo in West Bengal is located in Jhargram in a forest of Saal trees. Originally a deer park and a haven for rescued wild animals that were sometimes injured, this zoo is a mini zoo spread over around 33 acres of well forested land. Jargram zoo is popular among the residents of Jhargram town and the surrounding areas as there is no zoo in the vicinity. The main objective for the development of this zoo was preservation of wildlife; mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds in the area. The zoo is looked after and maintained under the charge of the Ex-Officio Director of the Zoo who is also the Divisional Forest Officer, Jhargram Division, Midnapur District

History

To begin with, Jhargram Zoo was established as a deer park in a large area covered with Saal trees. During the times it was established in the 1980s, the forests surrounding the towns were rife with illegal poaching and catching of wild animals that were then transported to different places by rail and road.  This illegal activity was stopped by the Forest Officers in the Division and the wild animals that were being transported illegally were intercepted and kept in enclosures. Some injured wild animals were also kept here and treated. This place was eventually transformed to an official zoo and much of the illegal commercial activity related to wild animals was curbed.

The place was granted the official status of a Mini Zoo on 9th September, 2005.  

Timings & Tariff

There is an entry fees of Rs 10/- per adult and Rs. 5/- per child below 12 years. If you carry your camera it would be charged extra.

The zoo is open on all days from 9.30 am to 5.00pm except Thursday

Best Time to Visit

The months of April and May are hot, while June, July, August and September are rainy months. The months from October to March are the best to visit Jhargram.

Map

Location

Jhargram Zoo located in
Jhargram Division, P.O. Jhargram, Dist: Midnapore(West),
West Bengal Pin: 721507
The Official Contact Phone No: 03221-255010.

How to Reach

Jhargram is about 145 Kms from Kolkata which has the International Airport. Jamshedpur Airport is 96 kms away by train and Ranchi Airport is about 235 kms away

The nearest Railway Station that connects to all major cities including Kolkata is Jhargram Railway Station which is 3 kms or 1.9 miles from the zoo.

There are buses from all nearby towns and cities such as Kharagpur, Asansol, Bankura, Purulia, Kolkota, Tatanagar etc.

Bus, Taxi, Minibus, Auto-Rikshaw, Cycle Rikshaw are available for local transportation

Wildlife

Developed as an enclosed and safe area for wildlife including animals, reptiles, birds and amphibians, the place is also a place to house injured wild animals. The proximity of the zoo to the forests that surround it makes it possible for forest officers to keep vigil and not allow illegal trade of animals in the forest and to bring injured animals here for treatment.

The aim of developing this zoo here was also to provide education and amusement to the people in the area as there is no zoo in any of the nearby towns. It was also to ensure that the existing species of animals, birds and reptiles are protected and preserved and the citizens are made aware of the natural symbiotic relationship between man and other species of animals.
There are as many as 132 Mammals, 98 Birds, 147 Reptiles and some amphibians of various species that you can see in this zoo.

The species of birds that can be seen here are many and some are rare. e,g. Red Munia, Golden Oriole, Green Bee-Eater, Crow Pheasant, Indian Robin, Purple Heron, Cattle Egret, Brahmini Kite, Spotted Dove, Bulbul, Night Heron, White-Breasted Water-hen, Blue Rock Pigeon, Yellow Wagtail, Black Drongo, Parakeet, Tailor Bird, Blue-Throated Barbet, Blue Kingfisher etc.. Animals include Indian Civet, Hyena, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Fishing Cat, Rhesus Macaque, Fox, Porcupine, Langur, Spotted Deer, Jackal etc. The reptiles found here are Star Tortoise, Monitor Lizard, Indian Python, Cobra, Common Rat-snake, Buff-striped Keelback, Gecko, Muger, etc.