Mini Zoo, situated in Port Blair city, is one of the most cherished tourist spots of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is in fact the only zoo in Andamans. It is extensively visited by the tourists hailing from different parts of the globe. It has been set up to conserve the wildlife of the island. Although the zoo has been named as `mini`, it is the home to a vast and exotic variety of animals as well as birds including the rare ones. About 200 species of birds and animals have been recorded in the zoo. The zoo is well maintained and the departments take a great care of its inhabitants. Watching the vibrant wildlife in the zoo is a delightful experience for the visitors.
As the name suggests, the zoo is small in area and is adorned with padauk, rosewood and maple trees. Common fauna of the zoo include monkeys, parrots, white bellied sea eagle, Andaman dark serpent eagle, Malayan box turtle and others. The near threatened Nicobar pigeon and the rare Andaman pig can also be spotted in the zoo. One of the major attractions of Mini Zoo is the salt water crocodiles. However many animals of Mini Zoo have been shifted to the Chidiyatapu Biological Park after the establishment of the latter. The zoo has an adjoining auditorium were documentaries are shown.
Mini Zoo also discloses several unknown facts about the privacy of the animals dwelling in the zoo. The crocodile breeding program of the zoo has added to its repute. The wild waters enclosed by lush green forests are the home to the bred crocodiles. A museum has also been established near the zoo by the forest department. It houses and exhibits a unique assortment of woods which are found in the locality. Common woods displayed here include dark and light coloured paduak wood, marble wood and rosewood. Various lumbering methods are also explained in the museum to the visitors. In addition to providing a great entertainment to the visitors, Mini Zoo also plays a vital role in imparting education about wildlife. The zoo attracts not only the tourists of distant regions but also the local folks of the city.
