A Day Among The Animals - Chhatbir Zoo

Constructed in 1977 and a safe haven for a large variety of birds, mammals, and other endangered species, the Chattbir Zoo is one of the main tourist attractions of the city beautiful. 

A zoological park, situated next to Zirakpur, Chattbir zoo was inaugurated by the honorable governor of Punjab back then- Mahendra Moan Choudhary. A small number of animals were bought from the Guwahati Zoo and soon, the zoo became the largest in North-India. Apart from being a home to a huge variety of both flora and fauna, it is truly an ideal weekend retreat, as has been said by a majority of the tourists that have been lucky enough to visit this gem of a place. 

Situated 20 km away from Chandigarh, far enough from the bustle of a developing city, it houses some of the most famous animals of the country in a habitat that offers both peace and quiet, such as Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Hippopotamus, Indian Gazelle, Sambar and Swamp deer, Asiatic lion, Emu, Jaguar, Indian Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear and many more. 

Location: Chhatbir Zoo Rd, Sahibzada, Ajit Singh Nagar, Chhat, Punjab 

Establishment: The Chhatbir Zoo was earlier known as the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park. Spreading around an area of over 200 acres and a home to at least 950 species of animals, the zoo attracts a majority of its customers during the winter season because of the wonderful climate that prevails during the daytime that just adds to the bonuses present in this delightful place. With plenty of highly valuable possessions of the aforementioned animals, the zoo authorities never compromise on the safety of the wildlife, keeping them in the enclosure and ensuring all their needs are taken care of. The species live largely in any of the 100 enclosures present in the zoo or in the large moats present elsewhere. During their upbringing, the animals are dealt with utmost care. Keeping in mind that troubling issues prevailing over the life span of these treasures of our country, the Chattbir Zoo authorities have made it a point to preserve them before they completely dry out. 

Timing: 9:00AM-5:00PM 

Fee: Ticket Charges- For the children who are aged from 3 to 12: Rs 5 

Above 12 years of age: Rs 15 each

Cars/Jeeps: Rs 250 

Camera Charges: Rs 60 

Environment: Surrounded by a forest like environment that gives the residing animals a feel of their habitat, the Chhatbir Zoo spread over a vast area. One of the most amazing things of this zoo is contemplating how a piece of mere scrub land transformed into a beautiful home for so many species. The animals are kept in an open enclosure so that they do not get claustrophobic or feel trapped in a place designed specifically for their purposes. Leaving aside these features, the zoo is an ideal place for a family get-together since it provides an ideal picnic spot, giving the aura of a perfect family’s day out. 

Animal species: Given below is the entire list of species residing in the Chhatbir Zoo.

Royal Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, Asian Elephant, Hippopotamus, Indian gazelle, Sambar deer, Swamp deer, Emu, Asiatic lion, Baboon, Indian Leopard, Jaguar, Himalayan black bear, Sloth Bear, Zebra, Chimpanzee, Blue bull, Blackbuck, Gaur, Bengal Fox, Striped hyena, Indian Boar, Porcupine, Gharial, Mugger crocodile, Indian python, African Buffalo 

 Aviaries: With only deer and animals popular in the Animal Adoption Scheme of the Chhatbir Zoo, all 100 deer and birds have been adopted by a scheme that was launched in 2010. Deer have been adopted by the zoo for superstitious reasons, considering the fact that they are known to ward off the ill-effects of certain planets. The adoption of birds doesn’t cost much, hence they were done the same for along with the deer. 

The Lion Safari 

People are taken for a tour to a lion safari where they are allowed to feast their eyes on these majestic creatures kept in a habitat that allows both closure and provides a conducive habitat for their growth.  

Zoos have always had a way of reminding us all the brilliant and abundant wildlife that is present in a country such as ours. Chhatbir Zoo is one of those that adds proof to that belief, a living epitome of a heritage we should be proud of. With exceptional customer treatment, enough scenic beauty that makes you want to stand and stare and a homely feel that's adequate to make you visit the place, again and again, the Chhatbir Zoo is a definite go-to place if you're a lover of animals and wish to get lost in nature.