National
Zoological Park or the zoo of Delhi is one of the finest zoos in Asia
and is situated close to Purana Qila or Old Fort. It sprawls across 214
acres and was established in 1959. It aims to provide natural habitat to
more than 2,000 animals and birds species that have been brought here
from all the continents such as Africa, America, Australia and even
Asia. An idyllic picnic spot in winters, the serenity of the greens here
is pleasing and offers a delightful respite from the humdrum of the
city. The winding pathways lead to the administrative building with a
library on the right side where you can get all the information on
animals, birds and plants of both and rare zoological species in India. Especially, children love to see Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, Spider monkey, African Wild Buffalo, the Gir Lion and Zebras, thee water animals and birds such as Macaque, Banteng, Emu, Hyenas, Axis deer, Fallow deer, Peafowl, Hog Dear and the Jaguar. The underground Reptile Home complex displays a wide array of snakes such as King Cobra and Pythons. Besides these, there are more than 200 varieties of trees here including the hanging deep yellow Alamtas hedges, the drought resistant Lahura trees and the native Delhi bistendu. The zoo remains closed on Monday.
