National Zoological Park

Initially known as Delhi Zoo, the National Zoological Park is situated near The Old Fort in Delhi and is a favorite weekend spot among adults and children.

Updated: June 16, 2022

Initially known as Delhi Zoo, the National Zoological Park is situated near The Old Fort in Delhi and is a favorite weekend spot among adults and children. Birds and animals live in an environment that in many ways resemble their natural habitat in the Zoological Park.

The Park was formally inaugurated on 1st November 1959 by Mr Punjab Rao Deshmukh and was given the status of the National Zoological Park with the idea of it being the model zoo of the country. The zoo is home to about 1350 animals representing almost 130 species of animals and birds from around the world. Visitors are not permitted to bring any food other than drinking water, but there is a canteen in the zoo.

The zoo not only provides a home for endangered species but also helps them to breed in captivity. It also holds Conservation Breeding Programmes for Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Brow Antlered Deer, Swamp Deer, Indian rhinoceros and red jungle fowl.

Hippopotamus, Chimpanzee, Spider monkey, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Brow Antlered Deer, Swamp Deer, Indian rhinoceros and Zebras are the most popular among the wild species found here. In the other section of the zoo, migratory birds like peafowl and storks grace the environment with their lively presence. The centre of the zoo has an underground reptile house which has different lizards and snakes. Battery operated vehicles at very reasonable prices are available which you could use if exhausted.