Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo was originally created in 1892 on 10 acres of the summer palace of Maharaja Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar and was originally called the Palace Zoo. The zoo was originally set up by G. H. Krumbeigal. (German horticulturist)
The zoo was opened to the public in 1902 and 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 handed over to the Forest Department in 1972, and was entrusted to Zoo Authority of Karnataka.
The Zoo which has now spread over an area of 250 acres was initially made for the exclusive visit of the royal family but public entry started as early as 1920.
This Zoo has a wide range of animals. At present there are 1450 individuals belonging to 170 different species. The large number of animals is exotics like Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Zebra, Giraffe, African Rhinos, Tapir, Marmoset, Lemur, Baboon, Emu, and Cassowary etc.
The Zoo has a small museum which exhibits the stuffed animals. A small library is also located in the Zoo. Painting and essay competitions are periodically conducted by the zoo authority to create awareness for animals between the children.
The Mysore zoo is a very popular tourist attraction and it's maybe the second sought after attraction in the city after Mysore Palace.
All these beautiful animals can be seen in open natural enclosures. The animals are let in a natural habitat like environment.
The zoo is at a short distance from Mysore Palace, on the way to Chamundi Hills.
Zoo Timings : 8.30am to 5.30 pm on all days except Tuesdays
