Mysuru Wodeyar Dynasty was the pioneer of many developments in the State. Because of his innovative perspective, the State witnessed many firsts in the country. The electricity production, the inclusion of street lights, the establishment of colleges, reservation facilities and many more.
The Mysuru Zoo is one of the greatest contributions of the Wodeyar Dynasty. The Zoo is named after Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, which is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It was established in 1892. This Zoological Gardens was formed from a part of Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar’s summer palace area.
Mysuru Zoo is the second most visited place in Mysuru after Mysuru Palace. It is located within an area of 157 acres (64 hectares). It is currently an abode to 1,450 specimens of animals and birds consisting of 168 species belonging to more than 25 countries.
The Zoo has a very interesting history to be proud of. The then Maharaja Chamarajendra was a visionary and wanted to design a wee laid city. He envisioned the City full of gardens, great landscapes and owning a zoo of its own. Initially designed as a private zoo for the Royals it was named as Khas-Bangale and even Thamash Bangle. The entry of the general public started in 1920.
G. H. Krumbeigal, a German Horticulturist and landscaper were appointed to set up the Zoological gardens, which was initially 10 acres in size. The zoo was subsequently expanded to 45 acres in size over the next 10 years and the work of expansion and landscaping was given to an Australian national called Huge. The Administration of the zoo, post-independence was handed over by the then King to the Department of Parks and Gardens run by the then Mysuru State Government.
Meticulous planning is the special feature of Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, all the species of animals live in their natural habitat without any cages or barricades. The Zoological Gardens is designed on modern lines and enclosures for animals are provided using moats.
Mysuru Palace, Balamuri Falls, and Karanjikere are nearby places one can visit during a visit to Zoo.
