Bannerghatta Biological Park

Bannerghatta Biological Park, also commonly referred to as Bannerghatta Zoo, is a prominent zoological garden situated in Bengaluru, India. Its origins can be traced back to 1971 when a picnic corner was established within the Bannerghatta forest. This area was officially designated as Bannerghatta National Park in 1974. A significant organizational change occurred in 2002 when the Bannerghatta Biological Park was formally bifurcated from the National Park and established as a distinct entity under the management of the Zoo Authority of Karnataka.

The park is an expansive facility, covering approximately 731.88 hectares. It is designed to offer a diverse range of attractions and conservation-focused activities, comprising a traditional zoo, an immersive safari park, a unique butterfly park, and a vital rescue and rehabilitation center. This multifaceted approach aims to provide both recreational opportunities for the public and dedicated spaces for wildlife protection and care.

History and Development

The inception of Bannerghatta Biological Park is linked to the efforts of Shri Y.M.L. Sharma, the Chief Conservator of Forests in the Karnataka Forest Department, who initiated the picnic corner in 1971. The subsequent creation of the National Park in 1974 provided a framework for wildlife conservation in the region. The idea for a mini zoo and nature park emerged to cater to the growing demand for wildlife tourism facilities. Key developments include the establishment of the Lion Safari in 1979 and the Tiger Safari in 1987. A dedicated Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre was established in 2000 with support from the Central Zoo Authority of India. The formation of the Zoo Authority of Karnataka in 2002 streamlined the management of zoos in the state, leading to the consolidation of the Bannerghatta zoo, safari units, and rescue centers into the Bannerghatta Biological Park.

Attractions and Facilities

The park is divided into several key areas:

• The Zoo: Initially a 16-hectare area managed by the Forest Department, the zoo now occupies 12 hectares and is undergoing expansion. It houses a variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds, both exotic and Indian. Notable species include Thamin deer, Hog deer, King Cobra, Crocodiles, Himalayan black bears, and panthers. Educational facilities such as a museum and auditorium are also present.
• Safari: The safari park allows visitors to observe free-ranging wildlife in naturalistic enclosures. It includes distinct sections for:
  • Herbivore Safari: Developed in the 1970s and opened to the public in 2002, this area is secured by stone walls, solar fences, and elephant-proof trenches. It is home to animals like Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Barking Deer, Black Buck, Hog Deer, and Nilgai.
  • Bear Safari: Enclosed by an open dry moat, this section houses sloth bears rescued from various parts of India. The area is designed to simulate a natural habitat with fruit-yielding trees and includes dedicated housing facilities.
  • Lion Safari: Established in 1979, this area is enclosed by a tall chain-link mesh fence and a surrounding moat. Groups of lions are rotated within the safari for visitor viewing.
  • Tiger Safari: Initiated in 1987, this section features separate units for lions and tigers, including a White Tiger Safari. Animals are housed in dedicated complexes and rotated within the safari areas.
• Butterfly Park: Inaugurated in 2006, this is India's first butterfly enclosure. It spans 7.5 acres and features a humid tropical conservatory with an artificial waterfall and diverse flora to attract butterflies, alongside a museum and an audiovisual room.
• Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre: Established in 2000, this center is dedicated to housing and caring for rescued wild animals, adhering to the National Zoo Policy. It is not open to the public.

Conservation and Engagement

Bannerghatta Biological Park actively engages in wildlife conservation through its Animal Adoption Program. This initiative encourages individuals and corporations to contribute to the upkeep and well-being of animals by sponsoring their feed, maintenance, and healthcare. The program aims to foster public awareness and a sense of responsibility towards threatened and endangered species. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the park implemented self-sustainable and economic measures, such as utilizing locally grown fodder and conducting sustainable fishing, to manage expenditures and reduce its environmental footprint.