Editor’s Note of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Katraj

Also known as Katraj Zoo or Rajiv Gandhi Zoo, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is sprawled across a massive area of 168 acres and also houses a snake park and an animal resource center. Started by a self-confessed animal lover and herpetologist Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire, who is now the manager of this zoo, it is managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation. Inhabited by over 160 species of snakes, this zoological park has been divided into different sections for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates, and birds. Located near Katraj Bus Depot on Satara Road, one can easily reach this zoo by hiring autos from Swargate. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is open for visitors from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily except on Wednesdays, while the entry fees is a nominal Rs. 10.