History of Chhatbir Zoo It is said that the Maharaja of Patiala used to perform shooting at the place where today the Chhatbir Zoo is located. Shri Mahendra Mohan Chaudhury, the Governor of Punjab had inaugurated the Chhatbir Zoo on 13th April in the year 1977. Thereafter the zoological park was renamed as the ‘Mahendra Chaudhury Zoological Park’. Initially only a few animals were introduced into Chhatbir Zoo, from Guwahati Zoo which is present in Assam. With the passage of time, this zoo came to be recognised as the biggest zoo of northern portion of India. Geography of Chhatbir Zoo Chhatbir Zoo occupies an area which measures 202 acres and is existent at a distance of nearly 55 kms away from Patiala and 17 kms away from Chandigarh. It is based on the right banks of Ghaggar River, overlooking the Shivalik Hills with a stunning green backdrop. Flora of Chhatbir Zoo A wide variety of flora can be observed in Chattbir Zoo including Parkinsonia, Shisham, Eucalyptus, Mulberry, Kadam, Lasura, Cassias, Acacias and Jamun amongst many others. Cynodons, Xanthiums, Murrayas and Saccharum reeds are also found here. Fauna of Chhatbir Zoo The large number of mammals who are sheltered here comprise Blackbuck, Sloth Bear, Chinkara, African Buffalo, Civet, Barking Deer, Leopard, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Jaguar, Gaur, Jackal, Hyena, White Tiger, Porcupine, Zebra, Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Four-horned Antelope, etc. The zoo is also a safe haven for plenty of birds like Budgerigar, Crane Sarus, Spotted Dove, White Ibis, Red Jungle Fowl, Combed Duck, Emu, Common Geese, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Indian Peafowl, Black Partridge, Grey Partridge, Rosy Pelicans, Golden Pheasant, White Pigeon, Black Pigeon, Painted Stork, Barheaded Geese, Shikra, Common Quail and numerous others. The animals are kept in open enclosures so that their behavioural and physical needs can be met akin to their natural habitat. Visitors will be welcomed into the zoo with an artificial lake wherein many migratory birds assemble, especially during the months of winter. There exists a lush green lawn or compound near the zoo lake which increases the charm of the Chattbir Zoo. Visiting Information of Chhatbir Zoo The Chhatbir Zoo in Chandigarh is open 6 days a week and is closed on Monday. The zoo is open from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM. The Chhatbir Zoo also offers a unique opportunity to go on a Lion Safari. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the Chhatbir Zoo. |
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