Kalaburagi Zoo To Promote Wildlife Awareness, Tourism In Region
The zoo will house 56 species of animals and birds for public viewing: Reports
KALABURAGI: With the inauguration of the newly developed Kalaburagi Zoo, tourists visiting the district are expected to soon have an additional attraction in the Kalyana Karnataka region, as the state government hopes the facility will boost tourism while promoting wildlife conservation and environmental awareness.
Spread across 42.38 acres at Madbul village of Kalagi Taluk, the zoo was inaugurated by Karnataka Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre, along with IT-BT, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and district in-charge Priyank Kharge on Monday.
Stressing the need to preserve ecological balance, Khandre said conservation of animals, birds, plants, and insect species is essential, and the newly developed Kalaburagi Zoo will not only promote awareness about wildlife conservation but also emerge as a centre of learning for students, nature lovers, and tourists in the region.
The project has been implemented jointly by the district administration, Forest Department, Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), and Murthy Trust.
“The project, which had remained stalled for a long period, gained momentum after the present government assumed office, with Priyank Kharge taking special interest in expediting the work. Apart from Hampi, this is the second major zoo facility in the Kalyana Karnataka region and is expected to attract visitors of all age groups,” he added.
While Rs 27.61 crore was provided by KKRDB, Rs 6 crore was provided by the Zoo Authority. Murthy Trust has provided assistance for the entrance gate, kitchen, store room, hospital, and water pump.
He said Kalaburagi Zoo is the ninth zoo in Karnataka and noted that the state ranks among the leading states in the country in terms of zoo numbers.
The zoo will house 56 species of animals and birds for public viewing. While a few animals and birds have already arrived, several more species are expected to be added in the coming days.
Khandre also said that special emphasis would be given to the development of the nearby Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary. He said boating and safari activities had already been introduced there to promote tourism.
Kalaburagi, till now had a Mini Zoo in the City.