10-07-2025
Karnataka proposes penguin park in Mysuru, hikes entry fee at two zoos by 20%
Karnataka Forest, Environment and Zoology Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Thursday directed officials to submit a proposal to establish a dedicated Penguin Park at Karanji Lake in Mysuru, replacing the existing aquarium structure adjacent to the Mysuru the 159th Administrative Board meeting of the Karnataka Zoo Authority at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru, the Minister said the aquarium building was found suitable for housing a penguin habitat, based on expert opinion. He instructed that a formal proposal be submitted without the meeting, the minister outlined a broader roadmap for upgrading zoo infrastructure, boosting tourism, and improving financial sustainability. He said modern facilities and the introduction of new wildlife species would help increase footfall. To support this, he asked officials to explore exchange programmes with international zoos. Khandre added that all zoos in the state must aim to become financially self-reliant within five years by managing their own revenue and expenditure.
The minister also emphasised the need to use funds from the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC) for the development of zoos in districts affected by mining activities. As part of this initiative, Rs 2 crore was sanctioned for improvements at the Davangere Bidar, a unique aviary and exotic bird park is being planned, and Khandre directed the preparation of a detailed project report for the same. He allocated Rs 20 crore for the proposed to a proposal by the Zoo Authority to increase ticket prices by 50 per cent at Mysuru's Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens and Bengaluru's Bannerghatta Zoo due to rising costs of animal care and staff salaries, the Minister said such a steep hike was not justified. Instead, he approved a 20 per cent increase in entry fee at both zoos, while keeping safari ticket prices also laid out guidelines to enhance the visitor experience across zoos and biological parks in the state. These included the provision of clean drinking water, well-maintained rest areas, separate restrooms for men and women, and improved sanitation and infrastructure, especially catering to both domestic and foreign reiterated a strict ban on single-use plastics, instructing that no such material should be permitted inside zoo or park premises under any circumstances.- Ends
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