Zoo In India

Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden, Assam

Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden which is otherwise referred as Guwahati Zoo is one among the largest zoos of this type in the north eastern zone of India. The zoo is widespread in an area of about 175 hectare (432 acre). It is located inside the territory of Hengrabari Reserved Forest of Guwahati. This zoo acts as homeland to more than 895 reptiles, birds and animals which represent approximately 113 species of birds and animals all over the world.

History

During 1957, they organized the 64th session of the Indian National Congress in Guwahati. During this period, the organizing committee arranged for an exhibition including few of the birds and animals. Among them, there was a leopard cub in the name of Spotty which turned out to be the hot star. At the end of this meeting, they felt the need to establish a zoo in order to house those animals. They decided to transport those animals to the Japorigog destination located in Hengrabari Reserve forest. The forest is situated in an area of about 130 hectare and hence it was to be sufficient enough to establish facilities that were necessary to house those animals. Thus, this Assam State Zoo came into existence during 1957 and was then opened to public during 1958.

As the years rolled on, the zoo expanded its capacity and now hosts various species of eye catching and mesmerizing exotic animals like Australian kangaroos, South America Llama, Jaguar and Puma, African Giraffes, Ostriches, Zebras, Black and white Rhinos and Chimpanzees. These animals were bought to the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden on mutual exchange with the respective countries with India’s indigenous species like Indian One horned rhinoceros and other animals. Later on the focus was shifted to Indian indigenous species and various captive breeding procedures were followed to increase their population. During 1959, they established a forest division in the name of Assam State Zoo Division and then this zoo was managed under the control of this division.

During 1982, they included a Museum and a botanical garden in this zoo and later on Assam State Zoo was referred as The Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden. In the year 2002, they included another 45 hectare land of Hengrabari Reserve Forest to this zoo and thus the overall space of this Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden became 175 hectare. In the year 2005, they launched Animal Adoption Scheme in this Assam State Zoo. Apart from the status of being one among the region’s popular zoo and ex-situ centre for conservation, the zoo is also aimed to provide quality based services and other facilities towards the rescue and also rehabilitation of the wild animals, awareness towards nature and also a responsible nature tourism. The zoo also continues to be a repository for wild life bio-diversity and act as green lung for Guwahati city. They also strive to make this Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden to be the best of its kind with various educational and recreational facilities in the North-east zone of India.

This is one of the finest gardens in the north eastern region of India. There are about 345 indigenous species and 280 exotic species of plants. The zoo has displayed name plates for all interesting and striking species. The presence of endangered and rare species includes ladies slipper orchid, doum palm, pitcher plant and many more.

Timings & Tariff

The zoo is opened between 7 am and 4.30 pm on all days except Friday. During winter season, the visiting time is between 8 am and 4 pm.

Visitor Information

The important highlights of this Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden are the Natural forest, Herbarium collection, Botanical Garden, Reptile House, Museum and Animal exhibits. Visitors of this zoo can get refreshed by using various amenities like juice stalls, pointers, resting shelters, waste bins, toilet facility, signage’s etc

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