Jhargram Zoo, West Bengal is located in the region of Jhargram and has been developed as an enclosed and safe area for the preservation of wildlife including reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. There also exists a mini zoo inside premises of the Jhargram Zoo and over 61 species of animals are existent inside the zoo. Amongst these species of wild creatures, there are 2 amphibians, 42 birds, 8 mammals and 9 reptiles in Jhargram Zoo of West Bengal. This Indian zoo`s goal is to exhibit the wildlife here for educational and amusement of the masses, supervise the gene pool of the birds and animals, deliver a protected and healthy environment to its wild beasts and also to spread awareness about maintaining a natural relationship between animals and man.
History of Jhargram Zoo
Jhargram Zoo was established in the form of a deer park during 1980 over a vast stretch of natural forests of sal trees. During 9th September, 2005 Jhargram Zoo was granted the official status of a `Mini Zoo` or a `small category zoo`. That point of time, an illegal commercial activity of wild creatures was continuing in that region and they were being transported with the help of railways and roads. However, some staff members of the Jhargram Division protested against this kind of illegal trade of wild animals, most of which were captured frequently and shifted to a certain portion of a zoo which was then being utilized as a rescue spot.
Apart from these animals, injured animals were also provided refuge here. The regional inhabitants of Jhargram were all attracted to this zoo due the absence of any other zoo in Jhargram`s proximity. They were fond of visiting the wild animals kept here. Permission from the Government of India was sought prior to the set-up of this zoo.
Fauna of Jhargram Zoo
Visitors will be greeted by a wide variety of birds and animals present here. The birds comprise Golden Oriole, Green Bee Eater, Crow Pheasant, Red Munia, House Sparrow, Indian Robin, Magpie Robin, Purple Heron, Cattle Egret, Brahmini Kite, Spotted Dove, Red Vented Bulbul, Night Heron, White Breasted Waterhen, Smaller Egret, Blue Rock Pigeon, Yellow Wagtail, Black Drongo, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Tailor Bird, Blue Throated Barbet, Common Blue Kingfisher and so on. Small Indian Civet, Hyena, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Fishing Cat, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Fox, Indian Porcupine, Common Langur, Spotted Deer, Indian Jackal and others are amongst the mammals of Jhargram Zoo while the reptiles existent here comprise Star Tortoise, Monitor Lizard, Indian Python, Cobra, Common Ratsnake, Buffstriped Keelback, Northern House Gecko, Muger, etc.
