Well-known as the Delhi zoo, to be found close to the Old fort in Delhi, India, the National Zoological Park covers about 176 acres. The park holds about 1350 animals, inclusive of 130 species of animals and birds from all over across the world. In the meantime, to see the entire zoo one would need to travel in a battery operated vehicle, available on rent at the zoo. Outside food except for drinking water is not allowed inside the zoo.

History of Zoological Park

The Delhi Zoo came into being in November 1959, after much careful deliberation, years after the capital city originated. The Indian Board for Wildlife set up a committee in 1952 to oversee the establishment and functioning of the zoo. Then finally in 1953, the site to set up the zoo was finalized. Finally, in October 1995 N.D.Bachkheti of the Indian Forest service started to supervise the manufacture of the zoo.

Even though, Major Aubrey Weinman of the Ceylon Zoological Garden was originally assigned to draw the plans for the zoo, eventually it was Carl Hagen Beck, who took over the job, as Weinman was not reachable for a long period of time. The preliminary plan was brought to light in March 1956, thus allowing for the moated area to be converted to the zoo. Indian govt passed the plan in December 1956 after a lot of consideration. 

The Northern part of the zoo came into being close to the end of 1959 and animals that had been coming in for a while were moved from temporary corrals to the permanent houses. Opening in November 1959, as the Delhi Zoo, it took the name of National Zoological Park in 1982, going on to become a model for other zoos.

Timing and Tariff

For Time and Tariff in National Zoological Park visit the link given below:

http://nzpnewdelhi.gov.in/timing_tariff.htm

The Pathway in Park

The lane that is winding away is also set with Badarpur gravel that is red in colour and shrubs that are green in colour and help separate the red from the undulating infinite stretches of grass of brownish green colour. In the meantime, the lanes break up into two separate directions, after it covers a distance of nearly 1 km. The administrative building housing the library is to be found to the right side. This library holds data on all species such as birds, plants as well as other zoological species in India.

The Fauna in Park

The lane separating to the right takes one to the location where cage of animals are placed. The cage consists of animals like Hippopotamus, Gir Lion, zebras, Chimpanzee, Spider Monkey, African Wild Buffalo and so on.

Located to the left side are the swamps, wherein water animals are to be found, Water birds are also to be seen there at the swamps. Animals like hot dog, macaque, emu, and hyenas and so on are other animals or birds found in the park. Meanwhile, in the center of the zoo, is the Reptile home complex where nocturnal animals such as pythons, king cobra and more can be held properly.

Facilities

CLOAK ROOM

Rate: Rs .1.00 Per Item
Timing: 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM

• Make sure to lock the luggage as it should be before depositing them at the location
• The cloak room does not take responsibility of cash/ valuables or ornaments in the luggage held in reserve at the cloak room.
• Make sure to keep your luggage safe
• One needs certified coupon given by the staff at the cloak room, at the time of depositing the belongings or else, if the coupon is not on hand, one would need to provide proof of ownership for the product, in order to get the luggage back.

Dos and Don’ts

• Make sure not to over feed the animals. Make sure to give them only balanced diet for the reason that over eating can spoil the health of the animals and birds.
• Do not ever make fun of the animals
• Avoid crossing the barriers, in order to escape from injury from the animals
• Do not destroy trees or nature
• Take care to not create any kind of noise or nuisance as a result of playing Tape Recorder, Radio or any other musical instrument, for the reason that it might disturb the animals
• Make sure to not ever bring any pets, or fire arms and weapons to the park
• Make sure to use dustbins to throw away the garbage
• Do not use polythene covers or plastic in the park

Some Basic Information Must Read

• Essential data such as the entrance fee or rules and regulations to follow at the zoo and other details are written at the zoo entrance and as well as made known via the public address system in Hindi and English languages at the time of entry.
• The zoo as well offers parking facility by the entrance for the guests
• Signs that show directions are put up at important places inside the zoo. At the same time, map of the zoo is as well exhibited at major areas in the zoo.
• Information about the animals is given via the sign boards by the side of the cages, where they are housed
• Zoo guide map can be bought at the ticket counter. At the same time, foreign guests can get the map for free, as the rate of the map is part of their entry charge. Other zoo publications are also made available at a price from the Director’s office on all days of working of the Government of India. 
• There are walking trails within the zoo, in which people can walk to see the animals. It is also open to those people with a wheelchair.
• There are 5 urinals as well as 7 toilets in the Zoo open to the visitors for their use
• One can go by foot to see the zoo. On the other hand, some may opt for one among the ten available battery operated trolleys that are free from pollution. One can hire the trolley for a certain amount as rent, from a private agent
• Water is available to drink at short distances within the zoo totally free of cost. One can also find 5 water coolers and 16 other water points at the zoo. Water purification facility is also made available.
• Even though one is not allowed to take in outside food as precaution for the safety of the animals in zoo, visitors are as well allowed to buy refreshments at selected sales points within the zoo. Apart from water one can get either coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream and more.
• In order to keep animals in good health, the entire premises within the zoo should be kept clean, free of dust and dirt. Use dustbins placed at various points to throw away the garbage
• Rain shelters are also put up all the way through the entire zoo
• There are 150 benches for the visitors to relax, situated at the animal enclosures, toilets, water points and so on
• The physically challenged guests can get the wheel chairs free at the zoo entry. Once done with the tour, they can give back the wheel chairs to the same counter
• First aid facility is offered at:
• Chief zoo entrance close to the booking counter
• Director’s office of the zoo
• Veterinary hospital
• Range office near Koshminar

How to Reach in Park

Directions to the National Zoological Park in Delhi are offered very clear and easy. Located some twelve kilometers far from the Interstate Bus Terminus (ISBT), the place is close enough to the new Railway station, at about six kilometers away. One can reach the old station at ten kilometers from the zoo. At the same time, the distance to Indira Gandhi International Airport is some twenty five kilometers from the zoo. Pragati Maidan is the closest metro station, from where one can get a bus to reach the zoo.

Location Map