Mysore Zoo (or Mysuru Zoo),[4] officially known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is a composite of zoological gardens and animal park located in the southern Indian city of Mysore, Karnataka. Stretching across a 157-acre (64 ha)-expanse and situated at about 700 metres (0.43 miles) from Mysore Palace, it is the oldest zoo in India and one of the oldest in the world.[5] One of the most popular zoos in India and one of the city's most popular attractions, it is home to a wide range of over 168 species.
History
Mysore Zoo was created from the private menagerie of Chamaraja Wadiyar X, the twenty-third Maharaja of Mysore. in 1892, on 10 acres (4.0 ha) of the Summer Palace. Over the next 10 years, the zoo was expanded to 45 acres (18 ha) with spacious enclosures that are still in use.[2]
Originally called the Palace Zoo, it was renamed "Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens" in 1909. A.C. Hughes, from South Wales, was the zoo's first superintendent, serving 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 features a bandstand and an artificial lake.
In 1948, management of the zoo was devolved to the Department of Parks and Gardens, Government of Mysore. The zoo was expanded first with another 50 acres (20 ha), and then another 150 acres (61 ha) with the acquisition of the Karanji Tank, in which an artificial island has been created as a sanctuary for birds.[2] In 1972, the zoo was entrusted the Forest Department and later in 1979 to the Zoo Authority of Karnataka, the first autonomous organisation in India to manage a zoo.[2]
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, walkthrough reptiles, etc. A bust of Chamaraja Wadiyar X was unveiled. The logo of the zoo, centenary souvenir, publication of literature and leaflets, conducting various competitions, preparation of a documentary film were other highlights.[2][6]
Objectives
The objectives of Mysore Zoo are as under:
Conservation education
Conservation breeding
Research, documentation and study
Rescue and rehabilitation of the wild animals and birds
Recreation and education for general visitors, tourist & locals[7]
Animal inventory
Consolidated Animal Inventory Report for the Month of October 2019[8]
Schedule I and II
Male
Female
Undetermined
Total
Mammals
124
116
38
278
Birds
16
23
8
47
Reptiles
15
15
10
40
Total
155
154
56
365
Other Schedule Species
Mammals
93
82
44
219
Birds
99
103
72
274
Reptiles
9
10
23
42
Total
201
195
139
535
Exotic species
Mammals
32
28
5
65
Birds
97
125
205
427
Reptiles
6
12
3
21
Total
135
165
213
513
Grand Total
Mammals
249
226
87
562
Birds
212
251
285
748
Reptiles
30
37
36
103
Total
491
514
408
1413
Management and lands holdings
While mainly depending on entry fees for its financing, an adoption scheme introduced in the early 2000s has been a success. Celebrities, institutions, animal lovers and volunteers of various clubs in the zoo have contributed directly to the welfare of the zoo inhabitants.
Lands under the control of Mysore Zoo
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore.
Karanji Lake Nature Park, Mysore.
Chamundi Conservation and Rehabilitation Center, Kurugahalli, Mysore.[2]
The Karanji Lake which covers 77.02 acres is located on the eastern side of the zoo. The Chamundi Hills acts as catchment and provides a dramatic backdrop.
Previously the tank was almost a garbage dump being used by all and sundry for each and every function. There was no bird life but for scavengers, crows, and the entire area was a slum. As such it was in constant danger of being taken over by developers for real estate development. The tank was handed to Mysore Zoo in March 1976 by public works department for development and maintenance. The tank is situated on north-east side of Mysore city. It functions as a percolation tank. After the protection and afforestation in the foreshore area, the tank started attracting a variety of birds for breeding & nesting activities. Restoration and development activities were taken up under the Asian Development Bank project through Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation to the extent of Rs.1.17 crores.
About five acres of prime zoo land has been donated to the Natural History Museum, which will enhance the educational potential of the zoo by offering people a rare opportunity to study natural history of wild animals, aquatic birds and tropical vegetation, etc.[9]
Animals
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 in Mysore. The zoo also has five green anacondas, contributed by Colombo Zoo.[10] It is also the only zoo in India to house gorillas, orangutans, white rhinos and cheetahs.[11]
Some of the animals housed in the Mysore Zoo include:[12]
The zoo witnessed a series of animal deaths in 2004 and 2005. In August 2004, a lion-tailed macaque was found mysteriously dead.[13] An emu and a tiger were also reported to have died mysteriously. On 4 September 2004, an elephant died, reportedly of acute hemorrhagic enteritis and respiratory distress. It was reported that the illness in elephants was due to poisoning. As a safety measure, the zoo authority suspended several staff members who were allegedly responsible for the "gruesome killings". Laboratory tests later confirmed that the two elephants, named Ganesha and Roopa, had been poisoned.[14] This was followed by another elephant death (Komala) on 7 September despite heightened security. Komala had been scheduled to be transferred to Armenia in about a month.[15]
On 24 October 2005 another elephant, Rohan along with his mate Ansul, died with suspicions of poisoning. The elephants were supposed to be sent to Armenia as a goodwill gesture. The Chief Minister of Karnataka immediately ordered a probe into the death of Ansul and Rohan.
4 January 2017, the zoo announced that it was hit by avian influenza. Lab reports confirmed that six free-ranging and migratory birds died due to avian influenza (H5N8) in late December. The monthlong closure is the longest for the 124-year-old Mysore Zoo
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