Singh142536: basic enhanced layout for consistency additionally and added references

2025-11-14T13:11:03Z

basic enhanced layout for consistency additionally and added references

103.51.75.156: /* Animals */

2021-06-03T11:44:27Z

Animals

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{{refimprove|date=September 2012}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name = Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
|logo =
|logo_caption =
|image = File:Zoo rajiv gandhi zoo logical park.jpg
|image_caption =
|location = [[Pune]], [[India]]
|date_opened = 14 March 1999<ref name="zoo_about"/>
|date_closed =
|coordinates = {{Coord|18.4529061|73.8611752|type:landmark_scale:5000|display=it}}
|area = {{convert|130|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name="zoo_about"/>
|num_species =
|num_animals = 362<ref name="zoo_about"/>
|largest_tank_vol =
|total_tank_vol =
|annual_visitors =
|members = [[Central Zoo Authority of India|CZA]]<ref name="cza_list"/>
|exhibits =
|website = {{URL|https://www.pmc.gov.in/en/zoo}}
}}

The '''Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park''', commonly known as the '''Rajiv Gandhi Zoo''' or '''Katraj Zoo''',<ref name="TOI2018">{{cite news |author=Dastane, S. |title=Asiatic lions centre of attraction at Katraj zoo, footfall shoots up |work=The [[Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/asiatic-lions-centre-of-attraction-at-katraj-zoo-footfall-shoots-up/articleshow/62589808.cms |date=2018-01-21 |access-date=2018-01-26}}</ref> is located in [[Katraj]], [[Pune district]], [[Maharashtra]] State, [[India]]. It is managed by the [[Pune Municipal Corporation]]. The {{convert|130|acre|sing=on}} zoo is divided into three parts: an animal orphanage, a snake park, and a zoo, and includes the {{convert|42|acre|sing=on}} Katraj Lake.

==History==
[[File:White Tiger at the zoo.jpg|thumb|White Tiger]]
[[File:Peacock at The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune, India.JPG|thumb|[[Peacock]]]]
In 1953 the Pune Municipal Corporation created [[Peshwe Park]] on about {{Convert|7|acre}} where Madhavrao Peshwe had established a private menagerie in 1770. Located in the heart of the city at the base of [[Parvati Hill]], this zoo exhibited animals in traditional cages.<ref name="zoo_about"/>

In 1986, Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire (the first director of the park), with assistance from the Pune Municipal Corporation, created the Katraj Snake Park on land that was to become the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park.<ref name="pune_diary"/>

In 1997, in order to create a more modern zoo in accordance with the guidelines of the [[Central Zoo Authority of India]], the municipality selected a site in Katraj and started developing a new zoo. The zoo opened in 1999 as the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park & Wildlife Research Centre, and initially included only the reptile park, [[Sambar (deer)|sambars]], [[spotted deer]], and [[monkey]]s. Although it took until 2005, all of the animals from Peshwe Park were eventually moved to the new site, and Peshwe Park was closed.<ref name="zoo_about"/>

The park also incorporates a rescue centre for injured and orphaned animals. It has run an animal adoption scheme since October 2010.<ref name=AAP>{{cite news|title=Animal Adoption Program|url=http://www.sakaaltimes.com/sakaaltimesbeta/20110418/4745724883144673101.htm|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=Sakaal Times|date=18 April 2011}}</ref>

==Animals==
[[File:Russells viper in pune zoo.jpg|thumbnail|right|[[Russell's viper]]]]
The zoo has collections of [[reptile]]s, [[mammal]]s, and [[bird]]s. Among mammals, the zoo has a [[white tiger]] and a male [[Bengal tiger]] named Tanaji. Other mammals at the zoo include [[Indian leopard|leopard]], [[sloth bear]]s, [[sambar (deer)|sambhars]], [[Indian muntjac|barking deer]], [[blackbuck]]s, [[monkey]]s, and [[Indian elephant|elephants]]. Reptiles include [[python molurus|Indian rock python]], [[Indian cobra|cobra]], [[snake]]s, [[viperidae|vipers]], [[mugger crocodile|Indian crocodiles]] and [[Indian star tortoise]] and birds such as [[Indian peafowl|peafowl]] also feature.

The snake park has a large collection of snakes, reptiles, birds and turtles. There are over 22 species of snakes with 10 species of reptiles comprising more than 150 individuals. This includes a 13-foot-long [[king cobra]]. Information about the snakes is provided in [[Braille]], as well as more conventional formats, and the park includes a library. The snake park has organized many snake festivals and snake awareness programs to clarify doubts and destroy fears about snakes. During [[Nag Panchami]], the park arranges programs to discourage ill-treatment of snakes.

In April 2017, the zoo acquired a pair of [[Asiatic lion]]s. This appears to have been one reason why visits to the zoo increased significantly, since the previous year.<ref name="TOI2018"/>

===Future plans===
This zoo has plans to house [[striped hyena|hyena]]s, [[Bengal fox|fox]]es, [[Indian muntjac|barking deer]], [[nilgai]]s, lesser [[Felidae|cats]], [[jungle cat]]s, [[rusty-spotted cat|rusty spotted cat]]s, [[Indian spotted chevrotain|mouse deer]] and [[Indian giant squirrel|Indian giant squirrels (shekru)]].<ref name="TOI2012">{{cite news |author=Das, D. |title=Zoo development plan approved |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-19/pune/33951382_1_czai-zoo-staff-central-zoo-authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029214645/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-19/pune/33951382_1_czai-zoo-staff-central-zoo-authority |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-10-29 |date=2012-09-19 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2012-10-18}}</ref> An [[Ex situ conservation|''ex-situ'' breeding]] centre is also planned by the zoo.<ref name=ESB>{{cite news|title=Ex-Situ Breeding|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-27/pune/30561241_1_zoological-park-species-animals|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223025111/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-27/pune/30561241_1_zoological-park-species-animals|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 February 2012|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=27 Dec 2011}}</ref>

===Gallery===
<gallery mode=packed>
Russell's viper sk.jpg|[[Russell's viper]]
Leopard at The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune, India (1).JPG|[[Indian leopard|Leopard]]
Water Duck at The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune, India.JPG|[[Duck]]
Indian-Rock-Python.JPG|[[Indian rock python]]
</gallery>
[[File:Bull Photo.jpg|alt=Bull|thumb|Bull From Zoo]]

==Location==
Slightly outside the city proper, the park is located along the [[Pune-Satara Highway]] on the banks of the Peshwa era Katraj lake, and close to [[Bharati Vidyapeeth]] University. The park is {{convert|8|km|mile|abbr=on}} from the main city of [[Pune]], close to the Katraj Bus Depot. PMPML buses may be obtained from [[Swargate]]. The Katraj dairy is also close by.

==References==
{{Commons category|Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune}}
{{Reflist |refs=

<ref name="zoo_about">
{{Cite web |url=http://www.punezoo.gov.in/about_us.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504180646/http://www.punezoo.gov.in/about_us.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 May 2012 |title=About ZOO |work=punezoo.gov.in |publisher=Pune Zoo |access-date=28 April 2012 }}
</ref>

<ref name="cza_list">
{{ZooOrg|cza|zoos|accessdate=5 July 2011}}
</ref>

<ref name="pune_diary">
{{Cite web |url=http://www.punediary.com/html/garden2.html |title=Katraj Snake Park |work=punediary.com |publisher=PuneDiary |access-date=28 April 2012}}
</ref>

}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|https://www.pmc.gov.in/en/zoo}}

{{Zoos of India}}

{{Pune topics}}

[[Category:Zoos in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Pune]]
[[Category:Parks in Pune]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Zoos established in 1999]]

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park - Revision history

Singh142536: basic enhanced layout for consistency additionally and added references

103.51.75.156: /* Animals */