Marble Palace Zoo
India·Aviary and Small-Animal Garden·19th Century
Marble Palace Zoo, also known as Nilmani Niketan, is India's first private zoo, established in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick as part of his Marble Palace estate in Kolkata. While it once housed a broader collection of animals, it now primarily functions as an aviary and a small-animal garden, showcasing a variety of birds and a few mammals.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick.
- ›Located in Kolkata, India, adjacent to the Marble Palace.
- ›Originally India's first private zoo, it now primarily serves as an aviary.
- ›Occupies a 0.12-hectare precinct.
- ›Houses birds like peacocks, toucans, storks, cranes, hyacinth macaws, hornbills, and magpies.
- ›Also features small mammals such as porcupines, barking deer, and red-butt baboons.
Aviary Pavilions, Paddock Enclosures For Small Mammals
About Marble Palace Zoo
Marble Palace Zoo, also locally known as Nilmani Niketan, holds the distinction of being the first zoo opened in India. It was established in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick as an integral part of his grand Marble Palace estate, located in North Kolkata. Raja Mullick, an avid art collector and botanist, initially populated the menagerie with a variety of herbivorous mammals and exotic birds, aligning with his personal vegetarian principles. This made it India's inaugural private zoo.
History and Evolution
Over the course of the 20th century, the zoo's collection underwent a gradual reduction. Today, Marble Palace Zoo primarily functions as an aviary and a modest garden for small animals, situated adjacent to the historic Marble Palace museum. The zoo occupies a precinct of approximately 0.12 hectares, enclosed by a wrought-iron fence. Its layout features five aviary pavilions housing a diverse range of birds, alongside two paddock enclosures for small mammals. The design of the shade pavilions and visitor pathways is intended to complement the Neo-Classical architectural style of the main palace.
Visitor Information
Marble Palace Zoo operates under a "small zoo" classification by the Central Zoo Authority of India. Access to the zoo is regulated, and visitors must obtain a permit through the West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau. The zoo is situated next to the Marble Palace mansion, a significant landmark known for its Western sculptures, Victorian furniture, and paintings by European and Indian artists, as well as its impressive collection of curios and antiques. Entrance to the Marble Palace itself is also restricted, requiring prior permission.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Marble Palace Zoo established?
Marble Palace Zoo was established in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick. It was part of his larger Marble Palace estate.
Where is Marble Palace Zoo located?
The zoo is located at 46 Muktaram Babu Street, Kolkata 700007, in North Kolkata, India, immediately west of the Marble Palace mansion.
What kind of animals can be seen at Marble Palace Zoo today?
Today, Marble Palace Zoo primarily serves as an aviary and a small-animal garden. It houses various birds such as peacocks, toucans, storks, cranes, hyacinth macaws, hornbills, and magpies, as well as small mammals like porcupines, barking deer, and red-butt baboons.
Is Marble Palace Zoo still open to the public?
Yes, the zoo is open to the public, but entry is restricted and requires a permit obtained through the West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau.
What was the original purpose of Marble Palace Zoo?
Marble Palace Zoo was established as India's first private zoo by Raja Rajendra Mullick, who stocked it with herbivorous mammals and exotic birds in keeping with his vegetarian principles.
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