The city of Pune is situated in the Indian state of Maharashtra and is a very peaceful and beautiful city with beautiful natural landscape. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is situated in the outskirts of this city in Katraj, which is not too far from the city of Pune. This zoo is also commonly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo and managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation. The zoo is spread in an area of more than 165 acres and is divided into 3 divisions that comprises of an animal orphanage, snake park and zoo. The zoo is surrounded by Katraj Lake which is 42 acres wide.

History

Since 1999, the zoo was operational in full and was open to general public. In 2007-2008 alone, more than 1.3 million tourists and visitors visited the zoo. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoo was primarily a snake park and all the animals were earlier stationed at the Peshwe Park that was inside the Pune city. Gradually, the snake park started accommodating animals that were rescued from the wild against extinction and illegal hunting. As time went by, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo at Katraj started accommodating all rescued animals and eventually, this zoo became one fully functioning wild animals rescue centre and snake park. Later, the Peshwe Park was closed when the zoo officials found that this zoo did not meet the standards set by the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI). Since October 2010, the zoos started the Animal Adoption Schemewhich was very effective and helped in preserve and conserve the rare and rescued species.

Animals

The Rajiv Gandhi zoo has a large variety of reptiles, mammals and some rare species of birds. This zoo also has rare White Tigers.

Location

Address: Kondhwa Budruk, Near Katraj Lake, Satara Road, Katraj, Pune

Contact no: +91-20-24370747

Visit timing

10:30 AM To 06:30 PM

Close Days: Wednesday

Ticket and other charges

Although video shooting and photography is allowed inside the zoo, there is a nominal charge against it. The proposed charges for still photography is Rs 25 and Rs 100 for video shooting.There is also the facility of battery-operated vans that carry the passengers around the zoo. The tickets for the van is Rs 15 for children and Rs 25 for adults.