Rs 44cr modern zoo opens in Kalaburagi

Kalaburagi: A newly modernised zoo has come up at Madabula village in Kalaburagi district. Spread across nearly 42.3 acres, the zoo has 23 enclosures housing animals such as tigers, lions, bears, turtles, crocodiles, spotted deer, golden jackals, zebras and langurs, besides dedicated bird enclosures.

Forest, ecology and environment minister Eshwar Khandre said the zoo has been developed at a cost of Rs 44 crore, including Rs 27.6 crore from the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) and Rs 6 crore from the Karnataka Zoo Authority, while the forest department spent Rs 50 lakh on plantation and grassland development. “Chittapur MLA and minister Priyank Kharge has also taken keen interest in the project. The region needs more greenery due to ecological concerns, and steps will be taken to allocate funds in the upcoming KKRDB meeting. It is the second-largest zoo in Kalyana Karnataka after Hampi,” he said.

He added that as many as 56 animal species will be housed, with two lions already brought from Bannerghatta. More species will be added in the next three months.

The zoo is expected to educate schoolchildren on wildlife and biodiversity. It will be open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm, except on Tuesdays. Entry fee is Rs 75 for adults, Rs 40 for children aged 5–12, and Rs 25 for govt schoolchildren. Parking for 50 cars and 20 two-wheelers is also provided.