Alipore Zoo turns 150 years old, gets new & rare animals

West Bengal Zoo Authority Member Secretary Sourav Chowdhury announced the year-long celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the Alipore Zoo, which was established on September 24, 1875. Throughout the year, the zoo will host a variety of programs, including introducing new animals, organizing science talks, and holding workshops with experts from across India. The discussions will focus on animals, conservation, and the role of zoos in modern times.

Chowdhury shared that the zoo currently has over 120 animal handlers, and 150 additional EPI staff, and is home to around 2,000 wild animals. Annually, the zoo welcomes approximately 3.8 million visitors, including many from schools and colleges. He also noted that several new animals have been added, such as the rare Malayan Tapir and the Mouse Deer.

Manoj Aggarwal, Additional Chief Secretary of the West Bengal Forest Department, emphasized the historic significance of the Alipore Zoo, which is one of the few zoos in India with over 150 years of history. He mentioned that the Central Zoo Authority rates the zoo 4 out of 4, making it the top-rated zoo in the country. The zoo has seen a significant increase in visitors in recent years, with about 34-35 lakh people visiting annually. The focus remains on introducing more animals and continuing its legacy.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, who has long-standing ties with the zoo, reminisced about visiting the zoo as a child and encouraged others to enjoy it, especially during the monsoon season when the animals are most active. He also expressed hope for the zoo's continued success in the future.

Alipore Zoo Director Subhankar Sengupta shared that the zoo recently welcomed four new animals, including the Malayan Tapir, which is not housed in any other zoo in India. These animals were adopted by Minister Birbaha Hansda in memory of her family. Sengupta mentioned that they are constantly working on enhancing visitor experiences and animal awareness.

Minister Birbaha Hansda, who adopted the new animals, also attended the event. She conveyed the Chief Minister’s gratitude, noting that Mamata Banerjee couldn’t attend due to the flood situation in the state. Hansda thanked the zoo staff for their hard work and shared her connection to nature, adding that her name, Birbaha, means "flower of the forest." She expressed her intent to bring more animals to the zoo and proposed providing insurance for zoo staff to safeguard their well-being.