Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Pune. People from all over the city and tourists come to have a good time. The Central Zoo Authority says that the zoo is well-kept and covers 130 acres, making it one of the largest wildlife parks in India.

People like to go on trips and have meals there because it's close to Katraj Lake. This is why many people from the area, especially wildlife and animal lovers, go there at least once a weekend. People who like zoo see them as places to learn, where they can spend time with loved ones and discover more about the animals.

History and Evolution of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

Today, the place is known as Rajiv Gandhi Zoo Park in Katraj. It was earlier called Peshwe Park and first opened in 1953, built by the Pune Municipal Corporation. Later, in 1987, it helped in setting up the Katraj Snake Park nearby.

It was planned for 1997 for the Snake Park to become part of a new zoo. It started in 1999 as the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre Katraj. Before 2005, it was just a snake park with some deer and monkeys. Officials moved every animal from Peshwe Park to the Pune Rajiv Gandhi Zoo and later closed the zoo at Peshwe Park.

In 2007–2008, the nearby Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre was officially merged into the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, becoming an extension of its conservation efforts. In 1992, officials created the service to catch snakes and help them recover. Over time, it became a place that shelters all injured or lost animals and birds. Since 2010, the zoo has also had an animal adoption program.

Things to do at Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

•    At Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, over 300 animals live in surroundings that closely resemble their natural habitats, giving visitors a chance to see wildlife in a more natural and comfortable setting. Two of these animal types are leopards and sambars. The zoo has giant mice, foxes, and wild dogs, as well as the White Tiger and Bengal Tiger. There are also a lot of birds, such as peacocks, ravens, and eagles.

•    People love going to the zoo because there are so many snakes and other reptiles there. Snakes that are poisonous, like vipers, pythons, and others, are kept in cages. There is also a 13-foot-long king snake here. You can also find out more about those snakes.

•    You can ride an electric car around the Pune Zoo, but it's best to explore the area on foot. You can also hire a guide who will tell you about the animals in the area. However, the zoo park offers battery-powered cars for visitors who have difficulty walking.

•    Taking part in educational activities: The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park's animal care and research area does a lot of research and studies on animal behavior. Also, it has classes and programmes that teach people about animals. There are also snake festivals, trips with guides, and programs to raise awareness.

Wildlife Conservation and Education Initiatives

Efforts to protect wildlife

•    The group works to protect both the animals and their environments by running breeding programs for species that are in danger of going extinct, like the Asiatic lion.

•    Participates in animal exchange programs to preserve genetic diversity and raise the bar for care.

•    Uses population control methods like vasectomy on animals that breed a lot, like deer and blackbuck, to keep the number of animals from getting too high.

Programs for education and awareness

•    Schools and colleges can participate in classes put on by the group that talk about things like biodiversity and the problems that happen when people and animals fight.

•    To help people remember important days around the world, like World Environment Day, Earth Day, and Wildlife Week, it plans fun events and talks with experts.

•    The group lets people visit schools both with a helper and on their own. Animal shows and nature centres for kids help them bond with nature.

Visitor Facilities and Accessibility

•    There are places to sit and rest throughout the park where you can take a break and get some shade.

•    Visitors can find clean toilets in a number of places.

•    There are drinking water fountains all over the zoo to help people stay hydrated.

•    There are food stalls and restaurants near the entrance and in the rest areas that sell snacks and drinks.

•    The zoo provides battery-powered vehicles to make it easy to get around, especially for seniors and families with kids.

•    Information signs help people find their way around the park and the animal areas.

•    Museums, libraries, and interpretation centres teach people about wildlife and conservation.

Best Time to Visit and Entry Timings

July through September is the best time to visit Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune. The weather stays cool and pleasant during this season, making it a great addition to many Pune tour packages. However, unexpected rain might affect your outdoor plans at the zoo.

From November to February, this is a good time to go as a tourist. Pune is a great place to visit in any season.

The zoo in Pune is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It's open every day except Wednesday. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park costs ?40 for people and ?10 for kids younger than 4 feet 4 inches. Strangers have to pay ?100 to get in.

Tips for Families in Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

•    Get there early to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler weather. This will be of great help to you if you are travelling with children.

•    You should plan on spending 4 to 5 hours at the zoo at a leisurely pace, which should include the snake park and lake area.

•    Bring snacks and water bottles, but there are food stands outside the zoo where you can get quick bites.

•    If you're going with older family members or toddlers, use battery-powered carts. They make the trip easier.

•    For fun learning times with kids, go to the museum or the interpretation centre.

•    Wear shoes that are comfortable because you'll be doing a lot of walking on natural trails and in enclosures.

•    Don't bring plastic things into the zoo because they aren't allowed.

•    The snake park is a must-see. It has rare reptiles like the king cobra and python living in open areas.

•    To have a better time at the zoo, follow the rules: don't feed or tease the animals, and keep the noise down.

•    Before you go, make sure to check the hours and holidays. The zoo is closed on Wednesdays and opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.