Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox zoo
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name        = Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
|zoo_name        = Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
|logo            =
|logo            =  
|logo_caption    =
|image            = Rajiv Gandhi zoo entrance.png
|image            = File:Zoo rajiv gandhi zoo logical park.jpg
|image_width     =  
|image_caption    =
|image_caption    = Zoo entrance
|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}}
|coordinates      = {{Coord|18.4529061|73.8611752|type:landmark_scale:5000|display=it}}
|area            = {{convert|130|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name="zoo_about"/>
|area            = {{convert|130|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name="zoo_about"/>
|num_species      =
|date_opened      = {{start date and age|df=yes|1999|3|14}}
|location        = [[Katraj]], [[Pune]], [[India]]
|num_species      =  
|num_animals      = 362<ref name="zoo_about"/>
|num_animals      = 362<ref name="zoo_about"/>
|largest_tank_vol =
|largest_tank_vol =  
|total_tank_vol  =
|total_tank_vol  =  
|annual_visitors  =
|annual_visitors  =  
|members          = [[Central Zoo Authority of India|CZA]]<ref name="cza_list"/>
|members          = [[Central Zoo Authority of India|CZA]]<ref name="cza_list"/>
|exhibits        =
|exhibits        =  
|website          = {{URL|https://www.pmc.gov.in/en/zoo}}
|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.
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==
==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 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 2004, 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"/>
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>
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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421085115/http://www.sakaaltimes.com/SakaalTimesBeta/20110418/4745724883144673101.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 April 2011|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=Sakaal Times|date=18 April 2011}}</ref>


==Animals==
==Animals==
[[File:Russells viper in pune zoo.jpg|thumbnail|right|[[Russell's viper]]]]
The zoo has a collection of [[reptile]]s, [[mammal]]s, and [[bird]]s. Among mammals, the zoo had a [[white tiger]] and has 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 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.
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"/>
In April 2017, the zoo replaced the white tiger with a pair of [[Asiatic lion]]s. These lions appear to have been one reason why visits to the zoo increased significantly, since the previous year.<ref name="TOI2018"/>  


===Future plans===
===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>
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=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Zoo-development-plan-approved/articleshow/16458585.cms |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=live |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=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Katraj-zoo-to-pair-up-endangered-species/articleshow/11261546.cms|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=live|archive-date=23 February 2012|access-date=28 December 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=27 Dec 2011}}</ref>


===Gallery===
===Gallery===
<gallery mode=packed>
<gallery mode="packed" width="150">
Russell's viper sk.jpg|[[Russell's viper]]
Bengal tiger - Slow walk.jpg|[[Indian Tiger]]
Sarpodyan (7850714450).jpg|[[White tiger]]
Lion katraj.JPG|[[Lion]]
Leopard at The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune, India (1).JPG|[[Indian leopard|Leopard]]
Leopard at The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune, India (1).JPG|[[Indian leopard|Leopard]]
Peacock at The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune, India.JPG|[[Peacock]]
Indian-Rock-Python.JPG|[[Indian rock python]]
Russells viper in pune zoo.jpg|[[Russell's viper]]
PorcupineKatraj.jpg|[[Porcupine]]
Bamboo Pit Viper.jpg|[[Trimeresurus gramineus|Bamboo viper]]
Bison95.jpg|[[Bull]]
Bear95.jpg|[[Bear]]
Rajiv Gandhi zoological park (23).JPG|[[Crocodile]]
Indian Gharial sk.jpg|[[Gharial]]
Deers comm rgnp pune.jpg|[[Sika deer]]
Sambar Deers.jpg|[[Sambar deer]]
A child's bond with his mother!.jpg|[[Monkey]]
BlackBucksFightingKatraj.jpg|[[Blackbuck]]
Fun at Zoo.jpg|[[Indian star tortoise]]
Water Duck at The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune, India.JPG|[[Duck]]
Water Duck at The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune, India.JPG|[[Duck]]
Indian-Rock-Python.JPG|[[Indian rock python]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
[[File:Bull Photo.jpg|alt=Bull|thumb|Bull From Zoo]]


==Location==
==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.
Slightly outside the city proper, the park is located along the [[NH-48]] 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 and the famous [[Lake Town Society]] is also close by.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 18:41, 14 November 2025

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
Zoo entrance
Date opened14 March 1999; 27 years ago (1999-03-14)
LocationKatraj, Pune, India
Coordinates18°27′10″N 73°51′40″E / 18.4529061°N 73.8611752°E / 18.4529061; 73.8611752
Land area130 acres (53 ha)[1]
No. of animals362[1]
MembershipsCZA[2]
Websitewww.pmc.gov.in/en/zoo

The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, commonly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo or Katraj Zoo,[3] is located in Katraj, Pune district, Maharashtra State, India. It is managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation. The 130-acre (53 ha) zoo is divided into three parts: an animal orphanage, a snake park and a zoo and includes the 42-acre (17 ha) Katraj Lake.

History[edit | edit source]

In 1953 the Pune Municipal Corporation created Peshwe Park on about 7 acres (2.8 ha) 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.[1]

In 2004, 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.[4]

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, sambars, spotted deer, and monkeys. Although it took until 2005, all of the animals from Peshwe Park were eventually moved to the new site, and Peshwe Park was closed.[1]

The park also incorporates a rescue centre for injured and orphaned animals. It has run an animal adoption scheme since October 2010.[5]

Animals[edit | edit source]

The zoo has a collection of reptiles, mammals, and birds. Among mammals, the zoo had a white tiger and has a male Bengal tiger named Tanaji. Other mammals at the zoo include leopard, sloth bears, sambhars, barking deer, blackbucks, monkeys, and elephants. Reptiles include Indian rock python, cobra, snakes, vipers, Indian crocodiles and Indian star tortoise and birds such as 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 replaced the white tiger with a pair of Asiatic lions. These lions appear to have been one reason why visits to the zoo increased significantly, since the previous year.[3]

Future plans[edit | edit source]

This zoo has plans to house hyenas, foxes, barking deer, nilgais, lesser cats, jungle cats, rusty spotted cats, mouse deer and Indian giant squirrels (shekru).[6] An ex situ breeding centre is also planned by the zoo.[7]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

Location[edit | edit source]

Slightly outside the city proper, the park is located along the NH-48 on the banks of the Peshwa era Katraj lake, and close to Bharati Vidyapeeth University. The park is 8 km (5.0 mi) from the main city of Pune, close to the Katraj Bus Depot. PMPML buses may be obtained from Swargate. The Katraj dairy and the famous Lake Town Society is also close by.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "About ZOO". punezoo.gov.in. Pune Zoo. Archived from the original on 4 May 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  2. ↑ Template:ZooOrg
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Dastane, S. (21 January 2018). "Asiatic lions centre of attraction at Katraj zoo, footfall shoots up". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  4. ↑ "Katraj Snake Park". punediary.com. PuneDiary. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  5. ↑ "Animal Adoption Program". Sakaal Times. 18 April 2011. Archived from the original on 21 April 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2011.
  6. ↑ Das, D. (19 September 2012). "Zoo development plan approved". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  7. ↑ "Ex-Situ Breeding". The Times of India. 27 December 2011. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2011.

External links[edit | edit source]

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