TripsGuru - India Travel & Tourism

Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad was established in vide G.O.Ms. No.247, Dated 26 October 1959. It was declared open to the public on 6 Oct 1963.The park extends over 380 acres, and is a premier recreation spot in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.The Nehru Zoological Park is run by the Forest department, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

In consonance with the objective of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, this Zoo has been in the forefront in building modern enclosures for the display of animals and also in taking up the task of construction Safari complex within the Zoo and construction of Nocturnal Animals House and many more such programs. Over a time the Zoo personnel have achieved expertise in animal handling, management, breeding of endangered animals capturing of wild animals, treatment of injured animals both in Zoo and in the wild, etc.The Zoo Plays a role model for the other upcoming zoos. Zoo gets grants from the Government Of Andhra Pradesh for Zoo's maintenances as the Zoo has non-tangible benefits on the society at large.

To take-up conservation and breeding of endangered animals and rehabilitate them with special attention on the endemic fauna of Deccan plateau.

Bring awareness in the public on Conservation of wildlife by conducting appropriate awareness and education programmes.

Research on wildlife for its conservation and management.

The notable development during the year under review is the formation of Zoo Authority of Andhra Pradesh. which was constituted under G.O.Ms.No. 105,EFs&T(For.11)Dept,dated 10.10.2005.The main aim in constitution of this authority is to have autonomy in development of Zoo, and utilize the revenue realised,for the development of Zoo. Besides the above, the post of Director was created in the cadre of Forests during the period. Mr.V.Kishan.I F.S took charge as the Director on 27.7.2005 and continued till 20.4.2006 when i had taken charge from him.

During the year, the Zoo has successfully bred endangered species like Mouse Deer, whose population has gone up from 8 to 14 this was achieved by selective breeding. That is done by making compatible pairs and giving extra nutrition and avians like Silver pheasant,Grey Jungle Fowl,Golden Pheasant, Khalij Pheasant, Painted Stork, White Ibis. Large Egret,rey Heron. In the contrary, a Hippo and wolf died in the Zoo.

Some additions to existing stock of Parrots were made by gift from horticulture Department & through exchange also. Three wild dogs were received from S.V.Z.P. Tirupathi.(8) bears which were seized by A.P.Forest Department and Non governmental organisation were kept in the Zoo as a transit home and later were shifted to Bear rescue Center in Agra.

Apart from the above bears, Two Bears were captured as they had created panic in the villages. They were later released into the forest.Two bear cubs of eight months old were rescued from a drop open well & released back into the adjoining forest. Apart from the above activities the personnel of the Zoo were involved in capturing 10 spotted deer from a Mini Zoo which is owned by Satyam computers. From Venkateswara Zoological Park an Elephant the same is being used now for the procession.

Deloitte Software Company staff celebrated Impact day in the Zoo. A hundred numbers participated the Impact day, by planting 50 saplings and helped in developing lawn.

Free entry was given to the children during 14th Vanya Prani Saptah and also on the Children's Day when huge crowd have visited the Zoo.

We are keeping 178 varieties of Animals, Birds, Reptiles, Fishes which require a variety of foods. This is procured locally through food suppliers and by raising browse and fodder plants in the Zoo premises and no Chemical Fertilizers or Insecticides were used. The fodder is raised by using farm yard manure. As per the feed schedule the feed is procured and prepared in the dry kitchen and supplied to the animals. Care is taken to provide balanced diet for all animals and special diet is prepared for sick animals which are under treatment and special care is taken for breeding Mammals, Birds, Reptiles to achieve good breeding results.

All the animals in the Zoo are provided with complete diet. Optimal is the best Prophylaxis against diseases in captive animals. According to the requirement and special needs of the Animals, Birds and Reptiles in the Zoo hygienic and nutritious diet fortified with Vitamins and Minerals are issued regularly. Feed schedule charts are available for each species. The chart indicates the feed items that are required for animals per day. The feed items which come from outside are thoroughly checked by the Veterinarians and the perishable items are disinfected and then weighed and issued to the various sites. Nursing mothers, Lactating mothers, nursing young animals and abandoned young animals are fed with special balanced diet.

Vitamin supplements are provided as prescribed from time to time by the Dietitians, Veterinarians and Veterinary committee personnel.

Zoo Fodder Plot

Raising of fodder was started in the year 1964 over an extent of 7 Acres within the premises of Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad. By growing the fodder in our premises the food borne diseases are totally avoided and the General health of the animals also improved. Since November 2001, the fodder plot is given to a contractor for maintenance and supplying the fodder to Zoo.

birds like the Falcons, Hawks, Harriers, Kites, Eagles, Buzzards & Vultures of the order Falconiformes, constitute a separate class of Birds popularly known as the " Birds of Prey" or "Raptors". There are about 290 different species of Raptors spread all over the world out of which 63 are found in India 45 species in Andhra Pradesh state. A majority of them are exclusive hunters and a few are carrion eaters. They are proficient hunters and their prey range from insects, Lizards, Snakes, Rodents to other mammals.

These fascinating birds occupy a key position in the balance of nature, as they effectively control the pests, rodents, etc, The carrion-eating vulture does invaluable service to mankind by devouring the decaying carcasses and keeping the environs clean. But today the birds of prey are on a decline in many parts of the world due to the ever expanding urbanisation, destruction of their natural habitat (roosting areas and nesting areas) and also intensive and extensive use toxic pesticides and insecticides which get into their system through the prey. Some of these fascinating birds are on the verge of extinction eg: Californian condor, whose number is less than 100.

Keeping in view, the key role played by these birds in the balance of nature, it is essential that they be offered the maximum protection.

In these enclosures, at present, birds like Scavenger Vulture, White backed Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Shorttoed eagle, Tawny eagle, Pariah Kite, Kestrel, White-eyed buzzard and Shikara are exhibited. This enclosure is made over an area of 10,000 Sq.ft.