Delhi Zoo, which is also known as Chidiya Ghar in Hindi is located near Purana Qila on Mathura Road. Delhi Zoo is one of the most visited and interesting places in Delhi. It attracts visitors of all age groups, from kids to senior citizens. Delhi Zoological Park is spread over an area of 176 Acre. National Zoological Park was officially ingratiated on 1 November 1959. It got the status of Zoological Park in 1982 to make it the model zoo for other zoos in the country. The Zoo has more than 1300 animals of 130 species of birds and animals. The zoo is at the center of the city and it attracts a very high footfall during the holidays. Some of the local visitors come here to experience the feel of roaming in the forest in the middle of the capital of the country.
History of Zoo in Delhi
The Park was formally inaugurated on 1st November 1959 by Mr Punjab Rao Deshmukh, Hon'ble Minister of the Government of India and was initially known as Delhi Zoo. In the year 1982, it was given the status of the National Zoological Park with the idea of it being the model zoo of the country. The Indian Board for Wildlife felt the need to have a zoo in the national capital of the country to provide recreation to people at large. Accordingly, an ad-hoc committee of some prominent nature lovers of Delhi, including Indira Gandhi, was constituted under the Chairmanship of Chief Commissioner to formulate a proposal for the establishment of Zoological Park for Delhi.
Tips For Visiting National Zoological Park
1. Do not feed the animals as overfeeding spoils their health.
2. Do not tease the animals or cross the barriers. You can get seriously injured.
3. Do not pluck the trees, flowers or damage the lawns.
4. Do not play radio, tape recorder or musical instruments as animals do not like to be disturbed.
5. Do not bring packets or polythene in the park.
Animals in Delhi's Chidiya Ghar
As you enter the National Zoological Park, several fascinating creatures welcome you to their ways of life. Hippopotamus, Chimpanzee, Spider monkey, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Brow Antlered Deer, Swamp Deer, Blackbuck, White buck, leopard, Chinkara, Deer Brow, Hoolock Gibbon, Lion Tailed Macaque, One-horned rhinoceros, Himalayan black bear, Indian Porcupine, jaguar, wild boar, Indian rhinoceros and zebra are found here among others.
A number of birds such as Great Indian Hornbill, peafowl, storks spoonbill and eagles can be found here as well. The centre of the zoo has an underground reptile house which has different reptiles such as Indian star tortoise, Indian rock python, common rat snake, Indian cobra, Diadem snake and Indian sand boa is present here as well. By 2008 it had 1347 animals and 127 species.
Best time to Visit National Zoological Park, Delhi
Winters is the best time to visit the park. Summer is very hot in Delhi to explore and cover the long area of the park. And during summer you are not able to watch all the animals residing in the zoo. So, from the month of October to till March you can enjoy to explore the beauty of the zoo and enjoy the flora and fauna of the park.
How to Reach National Zoological Park
The nearest metro station is Pragati Maiden metro station. You can also reach the park through local buses or hire a taxi.
