Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park,commonly known as the rajiv gandhi zoo or katraj zoo, is located in katraj, pune district, maharashtra state,india. It is managed by the pune municipal corporation. The 130-acre(53ha) zoo is divided into three parts: an animal orphanage, a snake park, and a zoo, and includes the 42-acre(17ha) katraj lake.

Rajiv zoological park

Pune municipal corporation established peshwe park zoo at the foothills of parwati in 1953 where the peshwas had their private menagerie.The zoo was established on a limited land of around 7 acres where the animals used to de housed and display to the visitors in concrete cages behind the iron bars.It was a typical traditional zoo of that time wherein only the objective was a recreation for visitors.

The formation of central zoo authority in 1992 totally change changed the scenrio of the indian zoos.They were transformed into scientific wildlife conservation centre.With a view of developing a zoo which will fulful the objection of naturalistic animal housing, consevation breeding ,wildlife conservation education and research, a new site with will a land area of 130 acres at katraj was selected.The development work initiated in 1996.The new zoo inaugurated on 14th march 1999 and renamed as rajiv gandhi zoological park.

In 1953 the pune municipal corpotion created peshwe park on about 7 acres (2.8ha)where madhavra peshwe had established a private menagerie in 1770.Located in the heart of the city at the base of parvati hill, this zoo exhibited animal in traditional cages.

In 1997, in order to create a more modern zoo in accordance with the guidelines of the central zoo authority of india, the municioality selected a site in katraj and staeted developing a new zoo.The zoo opend in 1999 as the rajiv gandhi zoological park & wildlife research centre, and initially included only the reptile park, sambars, spotted dear, and monkeys. although it took until 2005, all of the animal from peshwe park were eventually moved to the new site, and peshwe park was closed.

1. Watching animals in their habitat-

Rajiv Gandhi zoological Park has over 300 animals living in thier natural ecosystem. leopards,crocodiles and sambhars are among those animal species. giant squirrels, foxes and wild dogs are also in the zoo, along with dogs withe white tiger and bengsal tiger.

2. Learning about the snakes-

The zoo is famed for its large collection of snakes and reptiles. the enclosures display venomous snakes such as vipers. you can also see a 13-tool-long king cobra here. And you can also get information about those snakes.

3. Getting an electric car ride around-

Pune zoo area is best explored on foot. you can also get a guide to tell you about the animals around.But for those who find it difficult to walk, battery-operated vehicles are available in this zoo pzrk.