Zoo In India

Kanpur Zoo

Kanpur Zoo is located on fringes of an industrial city in Kanpur, covering area of 76.65 hectare. On 4th of February 1974, this park was opened for public. Kanpur Zoo is operated and owned by a government organization and is regulated by Uttar Pradesh’s forest department which is state owned. The central zoo authority, a famed statutory body under the influence of Central Government has laid down the guiding issues and principles related to the zoo. Kanpur Zoo is segmented as one of the largest zoo and is said to have attained registration in 2012, on June 30th.

History

Kanpur Zoo was the brainchild of famed botanist Sir Allen, who was renowned associate of British Indian Civil Service. He wanted to establish a zoo in natural forest. However his plans stuck in government delays and some bureaucratic red tape which did not let the plan materialize. When this zoo was at last opened in year 1971 by Indian Government, it got the name of Allen Forest Zoo. This forest was developed during rule of British from 1913 to 1918 by George Burney Allen, who was a popular industrialist in Kanpur. This forest was constructed on banks of Ganges River. The zoo was established during 1971 to 1973 and the first animal that was kept at this zoo was otter that was caught by one fisherman from River Chambal.

In 1975, Dr. Ashwani Kumar Tripathi was the first doctor appointed. Dr. Tripathi contributed lot in introducing contemporary technology which could keep the animals healthy. The enclosures for the birds and animals were designed based on advanced trends. At present the director of this zoo is Mr. Mukesh Kumar.

Timings & Tariff

http://www.kanpurzoo.org/tickets.php

Visitor Information

Kanpur Zoo, based in Kanpur has some spectacular public amenities and attractions listed below:

Botanical Gardens – This zoo houses botanical garden that holds collection of India’s rare species of flora, dotted with sylvan lakes. The grounds of the zoo are well and professionally maintained by the forest conservationist. This popular destination is famed for outdoor recreation, nature walks and picnics besides educational trips that educate students about responsible eco-friendly living, environmental issues and natural habitat.

• Lake – A main attraction at Kanpur Zoo is Rainwater Lake where hundreds of deer graze in open and have no fear of predator.
• Aviary – House of birds, this aviary has birds from different countries and includes Indian birds, emus from New Zealand and Australia, African ostriches, parakeets, cranes, parrots etc.
• Night house – The night creatures are kept in separate building. The structure houses toddy cats and porcupines along with other nocturnal animals.
• Aquarium – The zoo has an aquarium too.
• Toy train – Kanpur zoo is expected to have a toy train and for this a railway station is being constructed and tracks are being laid. 

Dos and Don’ts

• The visitors are expected to keep the public utilities and lawn of the zoo neat and clean
• You can enjoy array of plants, trees and animals in zoo
• One should be very polite and cordial with the fellow staff and visitors
• Always extend cooperation to the security staff and management of the zoo
• If you notice any suspicious activity, report immediately
• You are free to ask questions to the zoo officer to increase awareness
• The visitors are not allowed to carry pets in the zoo
• Please do not tease the animals in the zoo and respect their behaviour
• Smoking cigarette or drinking alcohol is not permitted in the zoo
• Please do not litter plastic or waste paper in the premises of zoo
• Tourists are requested not to feed the animals or damage the public utilities
• Do not create unnecessary sound by playing loud music in the zoo

Some Basic Information Must Read

• Kanpur Zoo is one of the oldest zoological parks in India which has been set up and open for general public since 1974
• The area of this zoo is spread over 76.56 ha and is set up in manmade forest
• The terrain of this park is undulating while is similar to a high forest
• This zoological park has been constructed on modern building principles of zoo
• The animals and birds inhabited in this park are kept in open and moated enclosures. These enclosures give these animals ample space for movement and also help them in expressing their physiological and biological expressions.
• All enclosures here are screened by terrain in such manner that one enclosure is invisible to the other due to which the animals have no psychological pressure of another neighbouring animals.
• Kanpur Zoo has been selected as conservation breeding centre for different endangered animals like Swamp Deer.
• Kanpur Zoo is active participating zoo for Horned Rhino too.
• The zoo has canteens which has dairy products and snacks, lawns, water points, rest shades, toilets and dust bins in its premises for the facilitation of the tourists
• There are life size dinosaur sculptures also which date to pre historic species

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the zoo is from October to March. The zoo remains open from Tuesday to Sunday while is closed on Monday. Visiting hours are 9 am to 4.30 pm.

Map of Zoo

Wildlife

Kanpur Zoo has mammals which include antelope, deer, musk deer, baboons, langur, monkeys, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, sloth, grizzly bear, black bear, hyena, jaguar, leopard, cheetah and white Asian tigers. There are orangutans, Chimpanzees that have their own island here. Some deer and monkeys are allowed to freely roam inside their enclosures as this zoo is their natural habitat. There are amphibians at the zoo too which include Indian Gharial.

How to Reach

The Kanpur Zoo is significant attraction of the city and is easily accessible. The distance to Kanpur Zoo from main locations is mentioned below:

• Rawatpur Railway Station – 4 kms
• Chunniganj Bus Stand – 4 kms
• Bada Chauraha – 7 kms
• Parade – 6 kms
• Central Railway Station – 9 kms

One can easily reach this city and take any public or private mode of conveyance to reach this zoo.