Central Zoo

Central Zoo
The Central Zoo() is a zoo in Jawalakhel, Nepal. It is home to some 870 animals in 109 species, and is operated by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). Although it was originally a private zoo, it was opened to the public in 1956.
During the Bhoto Jatra festival, celebrated near the zoo, the zoo may see upwards of 34,000 visitors in a single day after they come to see a historical jeweled vest at the culmination of the Rato Machchhindranath Jatra.
History
The Central Zoo was established in 1932 by Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumser as a private zoo; it came under government control in 1950. It was built under the engineering and project management of General Maheshwar Shamshere Rana (PM Juddha Shamshere's grandson) and his handpicked skilled and unskilled workforce. It was opened to the public in 1956, and in December 1995, the government handed over responsibility of the zoo to the National Trust for Nature Conservation. Although work is not complete, the NTNC has been upgrading the facilities so that animals can live in larger enclosures that simulate their natural environment. It is also working towards turning the zoo into a research and educational facility, as well as remaining a tourist attraction.
The central pond at the zoo was built during the rule of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, and at one time was the source of water for Patan.
Animals
The zoo is home to about 870 animals in 109 species, including 15 of 38 endangered local species including Royal Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceros, as well as many animals from around the world including hippos, siamang, ostriches, chimpanzee, lemur, and many birds. It also has an aquarium for subtropical fish.
Mammals
Mammals at the zoo include:
Asian elephant
Rhesus macaque
common langur
Vervet monkey
Patas monkey
Mona monkey
siamang
chimpanzee
spotted deer
sambar deer
four-horned antelope
Wild boar
Sloth bear
Indian Leopard
Clouded leopard
large Indian civet
Common palm civet
Himalayan palm civet
Northern palm squirrel
red panda
Indian Muntjac
Indian hog deer
blackbuck
Nilgai or blue bull
Himalayan goral
crested porcupine
Himalayan black bear
Himalayan blue sheep
Hippopotamus
Golden jackal
Jungle cat
leopard cat
Indian Rhinoceros
Bengal tiger
swamp deer
Indian palm squirrel
Wild water buffalo
Reptiles
Reptiles at the zoo include:
Aldabra tortoise
rock python
cobra
Chinese alligator
Mugger Crocodile
Gharial
monitor lizard
Yellow-headed temple turtle, Indotestudo elongata
Indian roofed turtle, Kachuga tectum
Tricarinate hill turtle, Melanochuelys tricarinata
Pond turtle, Melanochelys trijuga
Birds
Birds at the zoo include:
Grey parrot
Peacock
Albino Peacock
Himalayan monal
speckled pigeon
Fantail pigeon
Java sparrow
Guinea fowl
Common quail
black-necked stork
black-headed ibis
Lady Amherst pheasant
Ring-necked pheasant
Golden pheasant
Reeve's pheasant
kalij pheasant
silver pheasant
Common ostrich
bar-headed goose
grey heron
Himalayan griffon vulture
Black kite
Common kestrel
Great horned owl
Barn owl
dusky eagle owl
Eurasian eagle owl
sarus crane
White-naped crane
Common crane
Demoiselle crane
Oriental pied hornbill
Spoon bill
Chukar partridge
Myna
Lesser whistling duck
Blue rock pigeon
blue-and-yellow macaw
Rainbow lorikeet
white pelican
sulphur crested cockatoo
Salmon-crested cockatoo
white cockatoo
love bird
Chestnut munia
Spotted munia
Red munia
Indian silverbill
satyr tragopan
zebra finch
rose-ringed parakeet
Alexandrine parakeet
Red-breasted parakeet
white stork
Greylag goose
ruddy shelduck
Comb duck
wood duck
cockatiel
lesser adjutant
common emerald dove
emu
Vulture
Central Zoo animal overview
Animals in the Central Zoo of Nepal are in the following categories and numbers, :
Other facilities
The zoo includes a library, a children's small fun park, picnic areas and paddle boats on the lake. Fishing is allowed in the lake during some parts of the year.
Gallery
References
External links
Central Zoo Official website
Project Page on NTNC Official website
NTNC Official Website
Zoos in Nepal
Zoos established in 1932
Lalitpur District, Nepal
1932 establishments in Nepal