Situated against the backdrop of the
Purana Quila, National Zoological Park is the first zoo located in
New Delhi. Set up in 1959, this park was designed by Major Weinman of Sri Lanka and the famous Carl Hagenbeck of West Germany using modern concepts of zoo management.
Spread over an area of 176 acres of land, National Zoological Park sports manicured lawns and thick woodlands interspersed with brooks and lakes, with a thriving population of migratory birds. The zoo houses more than 131 species of animals, mainly on three categories such as Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard and Asian Elephant; 47 species of mammals, 72 species of birds and 11 of reptiles from different parts of the world. Rare species of birds and animals are also protected in the zoo.
Also known as the Delhi Zoo, this is the only park which is managed by the Central Government through its Ministry of Environment and Forests. Exciting workshops for school students are also arranged by the zoo authorities. The zoo is open to visitors from 9:00 to 16:30 hrs (April 1st to October 15th) and from 9:30 to 16:00 hrs (October 16th to March 31st).
By road, National Zoological Park can be approached from Connaught Place (about 4 km). New Delhi Railway Station is 6 km away and Old Delhi Railway Station is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (25 km).
