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In 2023, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir holds significant importance. Not only is it in discussions for hosting the G20 summit, but the news of record-breaking tourist numbers in 2022 added to the excitement. The buzz continued as the inauguration of the first fully developed Jambu Zoo took place on the outskirts of Jammu city, near Khanpur Nagrota along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the first phase of Jambu Zoo, which spans over 70 hectares in a natural landscape nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range. Previously, Jammu and Kashmir had a 'Deer Park' in Manda, which is now being transformed into a rescue center under the supervision of the Central Zoo Authority. With a total area of 162 hectares, Jambu Zoo is the largest zoo in North India and is named after Raja Jambu Lochan, who supposedly founded the city of Jammu after witnessing a lion and a goat drinking water together on the banks of the Tawi River.
Jambu Zoo boasts a diverse collection of rare animals and birds, consisting of 27 species from different states of India. Among the main attractions are pairs of Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, blackbucks, gharials, and marsh crocodiles. These species were previously only found in the Chandigarh Zoo of North India, and the zoo management is currently awaiting permission from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to house them.
To enhance visitors' experience, the zoo provides battery-operated vehicles and cycles for convenient transportation within its premises. It features three parks with amenities like childcare rooms, water points, and trail paths. Elderly visitors can avail themselves of battery-operated vehicles, while younger visitors can enjoy bicycle tours. The zoo is designed as a complete nature park, with enclosures that mimic natural settings for the animals. Additionally, it offers facilities for shooting movies and commercials, an amphitheater, a nature interpretation center, an orientation center for visitor awareness, and refreshment points.
Presently, the zoo is home to various species, including panthers, black bears, sambar deer, gorals, hog deer, nilgai, chital deer, porcupines, peacocks, flightless birds, panther cats, jungle cats, and a range of reptiles such as spectacled snakes, rat snakes, water snakes, Russell's vipers, pythons, and royal snakes.
The zoo provides both online and offline ticketing options, as well as parking facilities for 130 cars, nine buses, and 90 two-wheelers. During the first month, visitors will be exempted from paying any ticket fees.
Speaking at the inauguration, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his belief that the natural beauty surrounding the fully developed Jambu Zoo, the first of its kind in the Union Territory, would make it a unique tourist destination. He emphasized its potential to boost tourism in the region.
