Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore Zoo: Everything You Need to Know

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore Zoo – An Overview

The Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, or “Mysore Zoo,” was founded in the early 20th century by the former monarch of Mysore, Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar Bahadur. The Mysore Zoo is well-known for its well-thought-out design, spotless sanitation, captive breeding programs for endangered species, collection of rare and unusual animals, and recreation of their natural habitats.

Because of its central location and proximity to public transportation and other attractions, the zoo has become a popular destination for visitors. The climate of Mysore Zoo is ideal, with highs of 35 degrees in the summer and lows of 20 degrees in the winter.

• Native and non-native species of animals alike.
• Superior accommodations for tourists
• School for Environmental Studies World-class recycling and water-collecting infrastructure
• Supporting itself Self-sustaining zoo
• Saving and Rehabilitating Endangered Species
• Endangered Species Conservation Through Breeding

History of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

Mysore Zoo’s official name is Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, it was founded in 1892 and given current name in 1909 to honour beloved creator, Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur. He hired the German landscaper and gardener Mr. G.H. Krumbeigal, who designed stunning outside space.

In 1892, the Yadu Dynasty’s 23rd ruler, SriChamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur, established this zoo. The purpose of the Zoo Garden is to teach the citizens of the State about wildlife, not to entertain the Royalty. It is notable for its breeding of endangered species in captivity and for the care and happiness of its animal residents.

This zoo stands out due to the careful planning that went into developing the natural habitats for the various species housed there. When compared to other methods of the time, these ones were truly ground-breaking.  During the zoo’s centenary celebration, a bust of its respected founder, His Highness Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar, was placed at the park’s entrance.

Attractions at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

After beginning on 10.9 acres, an additional 6.22 acres were added to me in 1907, and its size was eventually increased to 45 acres. Mr. Huge, an Australian native, was hired as the new facility’s superintendent to oversee operations. After purchasing the Thandisadak and an additional 50 acres of Kensington Gardens, its land area is now 157.02 acres, with 77.02 acres dedicated to Karanji Lake.

Its unique selling point is that It plans everything out in minute detail, going so far as to recreate the natural environment for various species of animals. The outdated barred and walled enclosures were replaced with modern moats as part of the master plan. In 1877, giant-ape enclosures were first constructed in the country, complete with massive trees, bushes, and luscious grass for the apes to enjoy. For the first time in Indian history, visitors could view three different species of giant apes in one place: a pair of Gorillas, an Orangutan, and several Chimpanzees brought in from other zoos.

More than three million people visit me each year because it so spotless and pleasant to tourists. I’m glad to have developed into one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

The development of garden, the constant planting of saplings, the maintenance of cleanliness, the prevention of the littering of plastic materials like plastic covers/handbags, the education of visitors about plastic free zone, the implementation of sustainable management practises like rain water harvesting, solid waste management.

Education has always been a top concern for me. Every year, it educates between fifteen thousand and twenty thousand people through many “Zoo Education programmes,” which it does all year long and which involve students, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), resource people (RPs), and volunteers. With the goal of expanding the Zoo’s educational offerings, it has donated five acres of property to the museum’s proposed location within the Zoo. The primary education programmes here include in-reach and outreach efforts, a programme for children with special needs, a literary competition, observances of wildlife week and World Environment Day, youth club and summer camp activities, improved signage, a programme for forestry and veterinary students, a programme for RFO trainees, a programme for keepers and teachers, a programme for students and officers in training, and so on.

Every year, the Animal Adoption Programme receives heartwarming support through sponsorship from the public, celebrities, and institutions. Donations made towards animal adoptions qualify for a tax deduction under Section 80G of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions from animal adoption range from Rs. 25-30 lakhs, providing substantial financial backing for Zoo operations.

With three veterinarians and a fully-staffed contemporary hospital, laboratory, x-ray, and incubator facilities, it is working to improve health care administration. To further the ‘prevention is better than treatment’ philosophy, it has a live feed unit with the help of Central Zoo Authority’s funding and am actively supporting research by making available resources to students at the country’s veterinary universities and other research institutes. The mortality rate is now below 5% thanks to these preventative measures.

It has been upgraded the amenities available to guests, including eco-friendly battery-operated vehicles, lawns, toll-free restrooms, a RO drinking water facility, a food court, a library, wheel chairs, and umbrellas.

Mysore Zoo is over 125 years old and have enormous naturalistic enclosures, but It has also successfully bred and displayed all Indian and Exotic species. It’s 113-acre property dedicated solely to the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals. Breeding centres for endangered species including the Indian gaur, dholes, grey wolf, and lion-tailed macaque are also housed here for the greater good. The Nilgiri langur, Giant squirrel, and Grey jungle fowl are just a few of the species that hope to start conservation breeding for in the future years.

Mysore Zoo map and Address

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Zoo Main Road Indiranagar, Mysore, Karnataka 570010

Ph 0821 244 0752,  zoomysore@gmail.com

Mysore Zoo Animals

Animal habitat enrichment, animal comfort, hygiene and sanitation, improving care facilities, and simulating and fitting behavioural needs have always been its primary concerns. Exotic and endangered animals alike benefit from successful conservation breeding efforts.

More than a hundred different species have been successfully bred by me in captivity, making me a pioneer in the field of captive breeding. It became important to me to provide large enclosures in a natural setting for the animals’ well-being and the visitors’ education.

The Maharaja would pick and bring exotic animals like chimpanzees, giraffes, antelopes, primates, and bears on his travels through Europe and Africa. I have made a name for myself by effectively showcasing unusual animals at exhibitions in the past, including California sea lions, American bison, gunacos, secretaries, polar bears, penguins, kangaroos, and white elephants. Currently, it is home to over 1,450 specimens of 150 species from over 25 different countries. Some examples of these intriguing Animals are:

The Big Cat Family: Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Jaguars, and Cheetahs. Primate species include chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, capuchin monkeys, marmosets, lion-tailed macaques, hoolock gibbons, baboons, brown lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs, nilgiri langurs, and common langurs, while smaller cats include jungle cats, leopard cats, small Indian civets, and common palm civets.

Some examples of deer and antelopes are the Barking Deer, Black Buck, Fallow Deer, Goral, and the Nilgai.
Elephants (both Asian and African), rhinoceroses (both Indian and southern white), hippos, and gaurs round out the list of large mammals. Spoonbills, Pelicans, Flamingos, Adjutant Storks, and Painted Storks are all examples of aquatic birds. Ibis sacramenti. Macaws, conures, pheasants, the Sarus crane, the great Indian hornbill, peafowl, tragopans, parrots, and parakeets are all examples of terrestrial birds. Muscovy ducks, spotted whistling ducks, comb ducks, and Carolina wood ducks are all species of ducks.

There are four varieties of flightless birds—the ostrich, rhea, cassowary, and emu. Likewise, there are four species of venomous reptiles—the anaconda, king cobra, and indian cobra, Iguana. The Central Zoo Authority and other government agencies coordinate to ensure that the Mysore Zoo is able to regularly import exotic species from other zoos across the world.

Conservation Efforts at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is not just a place for entertainment but also a center for conservation and research. The zoo has several breeding programs for endangered species, and the successful breeding of the Asiatic lion in captivity is one of its biggest achievements. The zoo has also bred several other endangered species, including the white tiger, gaur, and leopard.

Apart from breeding programs, the zoo also has a veterinary hospital and a research center that conducts studies on animal behavior, nutrition, and healthcare. The research center collaborates with several national and international organizations to promote conservation and biodiversity.

The zoo has also taken several steps to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability. It has implemented a waste management system, installed solar panels, and uses eco-friendly materials in its construction and operations.

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and nature. With a diverse range of animals and several amenities for visitors, it’s a great way to spend a day in Mysore. The zoo’s commitment to conservation and sustainability makes it a responsible tourism destination.

Visitor Information & Ticket Online Booking

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is open every day of the week except Tuesdays. The timings are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and the last entry is at 4:30 pm.

Ticket Prices for the Mysore Zoo are as follows :-

*Attn: Teachers / Education Institutions: For availing the facility of concession rate to students, please bring the students list in school letter head and it should be signed by head of the institution along with seal. Students should bring individual ID cards issued by the institution.

To enhance the visitor experience, the zoo offers several amenities such as battery-operated vehicles, bicycles, and a toy train that takes visitors on a tour of the zoo. There are also several food and beverage stalls within the zoo that serve snacks, drinks, and meals.

The zoo also offers a special package called “Zoo Nights,” where visitors can experience the zoo after hours. The package includes a night safari, a guided tour, and a stay in the zoo guest house. Visitors can also participate in the “Adopt an Animal” program, where they can sponsor the care and welfare of an animal for a period of one year.