Central Zoo
| Date opened | 1932 (private zoo) 1956 (opened to public) |
|---|---|
| Location | Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal |
| Coordinates | 27°40′23″N 85°18′39″E / 27.6731849°N 85.3109334°ECoordinates: 27°40′23″N 85°18′39″E / 27.6731849°N 85.3109334°E |
| No. of animals | 870 |
| No. of species | 109 |
| Annual visitors | 1,000,000 |
| Website | www |
The Central Zoo is a 6-hectare (15-acre) zoo in Jawalakhel, Nepal. It is home to some 870 animals in 109 species, and is operated by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). Although it was originally a private zoo, it was opened to the public in 1956.
During the Bhoto Jatra festival, celebrated near the zoo, the zoo may see upwards of 34,000 visitors in a single day after they come to see a historical jeweled vest at the culmination of the Rato Machchhindranath jatra.
Central Zoo was established in 1932 by Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumser as a private zoo, and came under government control in 1950. It was opened to the public in 1956, and in December 1995, the government handed over responsibility of the zoo to the National Trust for Nature Conservation. Although work is not complete, the NTNC has been upgrading the facilities so that animals can live in larger enclosures that simulate their natural environment. It is also working towards turning the zoo into a research and educational facility, as well as remaining a tourist attraction.
The central pond at the zoo was built during the rule of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, and at one time was the source of water for Patan.
The zoo is home to about 870 animals in 109 species, including 15 of 38 endangered local species including Royal Bengal tigers and One-horned rhinoceros, as well as many animals from around the world including hippos, siamang, ostriches, and many birds. It also includes an aquarium for subtropical fish.
Mammals at the zoo include Asian elephant, Assam macaque, barking deer, blackbuck, blue bull, common langur, clouded leopard, Indian crested porcupine, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan blue sheep, hippopotamus, jackal, jungle cat, leopard cat, Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, siamang, spotted deer, striped hyena, and water buffalo.
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