Introduction

Home to a variety of endangered species such as the snow leopard, Tibetan Wolf and Himalayan Black Bear, this High Altitude Zoo is a popular drawcard for tourists to Nainital. The only zoo in Uttarakhand, it a great place to come up close to the Siberian Tiger, the rare white pea fowl, sloth bear, Himalayan Martin, Himalayan Civet, and discover a wealth of avifauna including pheasants, parakeets and owls. Nestled on the Sher ka Danda hills at an altitude of 2100 meters (7000 feet) above sea level, this zoo was set up in 1984 to conserve the fragile ecology of the high-altitude Himalayan ranges.

Sprawled out over 4,693 hectare, the zoo is an abode of an array of exotic Himalayan species such as the Snow Leopard, leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Martin, Himalayan Civet, and Bonnet Macaque. It is also one of the two Indian zoos to actively participate in the captive breeding of the Siberian Tiger.

It is a great opportunity of birding enthusiasts to spot a diversity of rare and exotic birds such as the white pea fowl, Kalij Pheasant and parakeets among other attractive birds. Being densely vegetated, the zoo gets a lot of non-resident winged visitors such as magpies, babblers, woodpeckers, threshers and lammergeier vultures to name a few.

Enjoy the brilliant Himalayan scenery as you stroll the length of the zoo amid sentinel oaks interspersed by jasmine, acacia, hibiscus, horse chestnut and rose shrubs.

Special programs are held here to mark the World Environment Day on 5th June, Ozone Layer Conservation Day on 16th September and Wildlife Week from 1st to 7th October every year.

While browsing the park, hold back from feeding the animals, and ensure you are at a safe distance from them. Not to mention, make good use of the garbage bins and help keep the place clean.

Special Attributes

Home to the rare Siberian Tiger and Snow Leopard

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Taxis, Cycle Rickshaws

Enjoyed by

Families, Kids, Backpackers especially Nature and Wildlife Lovers

Exposure

You will be walking under the shade of towering oaks, taking in the fresh mountain air. Most places in the zoo are sun-dappled. You are nonetheless advised to carry sunshades, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August, September

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

Radio, Tapes, Loudspeakers, Arms or Any kind of weapons, Eatables and Non-Biodegradable Substances such as Polythene and Plastic Bags and Bottles.

Tip

While browsing the park, hold back from feeding the animals, and ensure you are at a safe distance from them. Not to mention, make good use of the garbage bins and help keep the place clean.

Type of site

Zoological Park