G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo

The G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, often referred to as the Nainital Zoo, is a zoological park situated in Nainital, Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. Established in 1984 and subsequently opened to the public on June 1, 1995, the zoo holds the distinction of being the only high-altitude zoo in North India, with other similar facilities located in Darjeeling and Sikkim. It is strategically positioned on the Sher Ka Danda hill, at an impressive elevation of 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) above sea level, and covers an area of 4.6 hectares (11 acres).

History and Development

The conceptualization and establishment of the zoo began in 1984, though it took over a decade for it to become accessible to visitors. Over the years, it has evolved into a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in its unique high-altitude setting and the species it houses.

Wildlife and Exhibits

The G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo is particularly noted for its collection of endangered species native to the Himalayan region. Visitors can observe animals such as the Royal Bengal tiger, Tibetan wolves, sambar, leopard cat, and Himalayan bear. The zoo also boasts a comprehensive collection of high-altitude birds, including the kalij pheasant, Lady Amherst pheasant, rose-ringed parakeet, golden pheasant, and red junglefowl. The facility includes night shelters for its animals, and measures are taken to protect birds from the winter cold, such as curtains in enclosures.

Notable Residents

Among its past inhabitants, the zoo was notably home to India's only Siberian tiger, named Kunal. This tiger resided at the zoo from 2001 until its passing in November 2011. Kunal was one of a pair of Siberian tigers brought from Darjeeling in 1997; his elder brother, Mahesh, had died in 2001.

Geography and Accessibility

The zoo's geographical location places it between the Shivalik range and the Himalayas, with elevations ranging from 2,100 to 2,150 meters (6,890 to 7,050 feet). The surrounding landscape is characterized by evergreen oak and cupressus trees. For visitors, the zoo is approximately 2 kilometers uphill from the Tallital Bus station in Nainital, making it accessible for those traveling by public transport.