Alipore Zoo Celebrates 150 Years with New Enclosures and Book Launch

Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata, the oldest zoo in India, celebrated its 150th anniversary. The event featured the launch of two new enclosures and a commemorative book. Key dignitaries, including Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, attended, and a statue of Rai Bahadur Ram Brahma Sanyal was unveiled.

The Alipore Zoological Garden, India's oldest zoo located in Kolkata, celebrated its 150th anniversary on Tuesday. The celebrations included the opening of two new animal enclosures and the launch of a book chronicling the zoo's extensive history.

Opened on September 24, 1875, this 19-hectare zoo now houses approximately 1,265 animals. Tuesday's event also saw the unveiling of a renovated heritage building, which includes unique species such as mouse deer, four-horned antelope, and hog deer. Zoo director Subhankar Sengupta announced the inauguration of new entries on Alipore Road and National Library Avenue.

The day was marked by the presence of notable figures such as West Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim and state Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda. A 150-year memorabilia book titled 'Calcutta Zoo Metamorphosed into Kolkata Zoo' was launched, and a statue of Rai Bahadur Ram Brahma Sanyal, the first and longest-serving Superintendent of Alipore Zoo, was also inaugurated.

(With inputs from agencies.)