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Patna Zoo, officially known as Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, is a prominent zoological park and botanical garden located in Patna, Bihar, India. It is one of the most visited attractions in the city, offering a combination of wildlife conservation, botanical gardens, and recreational facilities. Here are the detailed aspects of Patna Zoo:
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Inception: The zoo was established in 1973 and is named after Sanjay Gandhi, the son of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
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Purpose: It was created to promote wildlife conservation, education, and recreation.
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Address: Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Bailey Road, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800001, India.
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Area: The zoo spans approximately 153 hectares (378 acres), making it one of the largest zoos in India.
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Landscape: The park features a diverse landscape with lush greenery, water bodies, and well-maintained pathways, providing a natural habitat for the animals and a pleasant environment for visitors.
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Mammals: The zoo houses a wide variety of mammals, including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and several species of deer and antelopes.
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Birds: It is home to numerous bird species, including peacocks, parrots, hornbills, and a variety of waterfowl. The aviary section showcases both native and exotic birds.
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Reptiles: The reptile house features snakes, crocodiles, turtles, and other reptiles. It includes both indigenous and exotic species.
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Aquarium: The zoo has an aquarium that displays a variety of freshwater and marine fish.
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Flora: In addition to its animal exhibits, Patna Zoo also boasts a rich collection of flora. The botanical garden contains numerous plant species, including rare and endangered plants.
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Medicinal Plants: The park has a section dedicated to medicinal plants, highlighting their uses and importance in traditional medicine.
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Wildlife Conservation: The zoo plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, participating in breeding programs for endangered species and conducting research on animal behavior and health.
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Breeding Programs: Successful breeding programs have been conducted for species such as the white tiger, rhinoceros, and gharial (a type of crocodile).
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Educational Programs: The zoo offers educational programs, guided tours, and workshops aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
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Children’s Park: There is a dedicated children's park with play areas and rides, making it a popular spot for families.
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Toy Train: A miniature train ride, known as the "toy train," offers a scenic tour around the zoo, providing a fun and educational experience for visitors, especially children.
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Boating: The park features a large lake where visitors can enjoy paddle boating and other water activities.
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Opening Hours: The zoo is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The timing may vary slightly during different seasons and public holidays.
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Closed Days: It is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays for maintenance and upkeep.
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Ticket Prices: The entry fee varies for adults, children, and foreign tourists. There may be additional charges for camera usage, the toy train ride, and boating.
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Amenities: The zoo provides various amenities, including restrooms, drinking water facilities, food stalls, and picnic spots.
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Accessibility: The zoo is accessible to people with disabilities, with ramps and designated pathways.
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Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Patna Zoo has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, such as waste management systems, rainwater harvesting, and solar power usage.
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Community Programs: The zoo engages with the local community through outreach programs, wildlife awareness campaigns, and collaborations with schools and NGOs.