Zoos in Punjab are numerous and comprise different species of birds, animals, reptiles and other kinds of wild creatures, preserved in various kinds of captivity. There are also some Deer Parks, which are termed as `Mini Zoos` which serve as excellent protection centres for threatened species of animals and birds. Such activities of rehabilitation and protection of wild animals are supervised by the Wildlife Preservation Wing, Punjab. Chhatbir Zoo, Kanjli Wetland, Kapurthala, Tiger Safari in Ludhiana, Deer Park or Mini Zoo at Bir Talab, Sutlej Water Body Wetland at Ropar, etc. These zoos of Punjab serve as interesting tourist locales and are thronged by innumerable wildlife lovers and tourists.
Chhatbir Zoo
Chhatbir Zoo, or Chhatbir Protected Forest is also known as the `Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park` came into existence in the year 1977 and was named in the honour of the Governor of Punjab who had founded it. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the most significant attraction of this zoo and visitors who are interested to catch sight of this animal are placed inside a caged vehicle, while the beasts roam around freely around it. About 950 species of wildlife and 85 types of migratory birds are available here.
Deer Park
Deer Park in Punjab is also recognized as the Bir Talab Zoo, or the `Mini Zoo` and is existent at a distance of nearly 5 kms away from Bathinda, in the Bir Talab Forest region. Blackbuck, Sambars, Cheetah and other animals are also found in this zoo, which is equipped with a children park and also several forms of rides.
Tiger Safari
Located in Ludhiana, the Tiger Safari (Zoo) is also referred to as the Amaltas Tiger Safari and is based on the Ludhiana- Jalandhar Highway, about 6 kms from Ludhiana. The total area covered by the Tiger Safari is about 25 acres, and it is quite popular amongst visitors since the year 1993. Rabbits, Tigers, Blackbucks, Sambhars and several Peacock are present in the Tiger Safari.
Ropar Wetland
Ropar Wetland is spread over an area measuring nearly 1, 365 hectares and is an artificial freshwater wetland, which is also known as the `Ropar Lake`, created after the establishment of a regulator over the Sutlej River. Tourists can enjoy views of numerous wonderful birds, as this wetland is home to 54 species of common birds, three species of rare birds, 11 species of migratory birds and 49 species of regional birds. Crimson-breasted Barbet, Golden Backed Woodpecker, M. Zeylanica, Megalaima haemacephala and Dinopium benghalense are some of the birds which survive in the Ropar Wetland.
