Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens – Mysore

About

Mysore Zoo was created from the private menagerie of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in 1892, on 10 acres of the summer palace. Over the next 10 years the zoo was expanded to 45 acres with spacious enclosures that are still in use.

The Zoo’s original founder, Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Originally called the Palace Zoo, it was renamed “Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens” in 1909. Mr. A.C. Hughes, from South Wales, was the zoo’s first superintendent. He served as the superintendent from 1892 to 1924. Hughes, Sir Mirza Ismail, and G.H. Krumbiegel worked towards refashioning the zoo and updating it with modern, natural enclosures. It now includes a bandstand and an artificial lake. It was given to the Department of Parks and Gardens of the Mysore State Government in 1948. The zoo was expanded first with another 50 acres, and then another 150 acres with the acquisition of the Karanji Tank, in which an artificial island has been created as a sanctuary for birds.

The zoo was handed over to the Forest Department in 1972, and was entrusted to Zoo Authority of Karnataka in 1979. The zoo had completed 100 years in 1992. The centenary celebrations were held in 1990 and 91. During the centenary celebrations various developmental activities were initiated such as renovation and modification of the entrance gate, hospital building, Walk Through Reptiles, etc. The bust of Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar, founder of Mysore Zoo, was unveiled. The logo of the zoo, centenary souvenir, publication of literature & leaflets, conducting various competitions, preparation of a documentary film were other highlights.

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The zoo is currently home to ten elephants, and has more elephants than any other zoo in India. A total of 34 elephants have lived at this zoo, many of which were eventually transferred to other zoos.The zoo also has five green anacondas, contributed by Colombo Zoo. It also has giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, white rhinoceroses, and baboons.